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Mental Health first aider
In general, the role of a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) in the workplace is to be a point of contact for an employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.
This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help.
As well as in a crisis, MHFA are valuable in providing early intervention help for someone who may be developing a mental health issue.
Mental Health First Aiders are not trained to be therapists or psychiatrists but they can offer initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance
MY ROLE AS A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER:
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Spot the early signs and symptoms of mental ill health.
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Start a supportive conversation with a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.
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Listen to the person non-judgementally.
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Assess the risk of suicide or self-harm.
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Encourage the person to access appropriate professional support or self-help strategies. This might include encouraging access to support systems or counselling services.
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Escalate to the appropriate emergency services, if necessary.
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Maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
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Protect myself while performing my role.
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