For this year's World Mental Health Day, we would like to celebrate our colleagues who are trained in mental health first aid.
At DSSR, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels comfortable talking about their mental health challenges.
We hope that by having mental health first aiders in the workplace, we can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health and make it easier for our colleagues to get the help they need.
World Mental Health Day (10 Oct) is a day to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. It’s also a day to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter what you’re going through.
As the theme of World Mental Health Day highlights, ‘mental health is a universal human right’. That’s why at Mental Health Foundation, we’re dedicated to addressing the inequalities in mental health and working towards good mental health for all, not just for some.
Our Mental Health First Aiders have completed the necessary training and can provide a first point of contact for any employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or suffering from emotional distress. This vital interaction can range from having an initial conversation to supporting the employee in obtaining appropriate help.
Some key responsibilities of mental health first aiders in the workplace include:
- Identifying if a person is experiencing a mental health issue
- Listening non-judgementally to what the person is saying or feeling
- Encouraging the person to seek appropriate treatment
- Helping those suffering from mental ill-health to take small steps towards recovery
- Referring to specialist services if necessary
- Helping to build trust between employer and employees, in order for both groups to feel comfortable talking openly about mental health issues
If you are struggling with your mental health, please speak to someone.
