In a single week, at least one in six of us has problems with our mental health, yet many people still feel uncomfortable discussing their struggles in the workplace.
This discomfort often stems from stigma – a deep-seated issue that can lead to discrimination, silence and isolation. According to Mind, if you’re experiencing intense and uncontrollable feelings of anxiety, fear, worry or panic, “it's important to remember that you aren't alone, and you don't have to put up with people treating you badly.”
In the workplace, it’s crucial that leaders and managers communicate with employees in an inclusive way, creating a non-stigmatising approach to mental health which ultimately encourages a safer workplace. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training delivers many benefits for employees and employers alike, equipping individuals with the knowledge and confidence to approach mental health issues with empathy and understanding.
The Benefits of Mental Health First Aid Training
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health problems affect one in four people in any given year. They range from common issues, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Mental Health First Aid plays a crucial role in supporting those who are struggling, and a key aspect of this is educating all staff members about mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing.
Early Intervention Saves Lives
Mental Health First Aid Training teaches people to recognise early warning signs of distress, allowing for timely intervention. The sooner mental health issues are addressed, the easier they are to manage, which can prevent issues from spiralling out of control. Early intervention can also improve a person’s chances of making a full recovery by arming them with healthy coping mechanisms to not only stay well but move forward with their lives.
Reducing Absenteeism and Presenteeism
When you, your managers and employees feel supported in managing their mental health, they are less likely to require extended time off. In turn, this can reduce presenteeism – where people are physically at work but have mentally checked out, by fostering a more engaged, productive and mentally healthy workforce.
Encouraging Openness
A workplace that prioritises mental health encourages open discussions about wellbeing. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training can nurture this shift, helping to dismantle the barriers that prevent people from sharing their experiences. As a result, this leads to a more connected, empathetic team that thrives on mutual support.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training extend to all, leaders and managers can benefit greatly by becoming better equipped to manage stress, support struggling team members, and foster a balanced work environment that prioritises wellbeing.
Building Trust
People who are trained in mental health first aid are more likely to recognise signs of stress and anxiety in their colleagues early on. With a compassionate approach, they can ensure employees know they’re not alone in managing their mental health. By building stronger relationships and greater trust within the team, organisations can see improvements in collaboration, morale and productivity – all within a more cohesive workplace. Studies have shown that organisations with strong mental health support see increased job satisfaction, higher retention rates, and improved employee performance.
GBS Corporate Training, we offer comprehensive Mental Health First Aid Training available virtually, face to face, or with a blend of formats to help equip teams to address mental health issues early and foster a supportive workplace. We also provide two specialist courses in association with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention Education and Training (NCSPET) which are accredited by City and Guilds of London:
Suicide First Aid®: Lite and Suicide First Aid®: Understanding Suicide Intervention (SFA USI). Both of these courses focus on increasing awareness and intervention skills, empowering participants to address suicide risks confidently, and helping shape supportive and proactive workplaces that prioritise the mental wellbeing of all employees.
To learn more, please visit the Personal Impact and Effectiveness area of our website or contact our friendly team today.
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