World Mental Health Day 2016 – Mental Health First Aid
10th October 2016
Today, the 10th of October marks world mental health day. This year, the focus set by the World Mental Health Foundation is on mental health first aid.
What is Mental Health Fist Aid? – Firstly, you should definitely have a look at our super informative and interesting blog post on mental health first-aiders in the workplace.
In short, Mental Health First Aid refers to the application of psychological skills and treatments in the aftermath of disaster, trauma or in acute periods of distress. This may mean during global crises such as natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Day to day however this refers to things like helping someone through a panic attack, lending a friendly ear to someone who is going through a difficult time and crucially, learning how to spot the warning signs that someone is struggling.
There are many things you can do this World Mental Health Day to help those in need: challenge stigma and raise awareness of mental health in your community.
- “Take 10 together” and have a meaningful conversation with someone you know about their mental health.
- Sign up for a Mental Health Fist Aid course
- Donate money or time to an organisation such as MIND or SANE
- Don’t forget to look after your own mental health! – do something that benefits you psychologically. Treat yourself to your favourite meal, take a long hot bath, do some exercise, call a friend or loved one, whatever works for you!
Whatever you do, look after yourself and do your bit to raise awareness and end the stigma that still surrounds mental health.