Mental Health & MH First Aid - Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid Basic
Section titled “Mental Health First Aid Basic”Become a Mental Health First Aider - Mental health first aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis is resolved.
Mental Health First Aid Basic is a 12-hour course focused on adults interacting with adults in all environments. The course discusses the following mental disorders:
- Substance related disorders
- Mood related disorders
- Anxiety and trauma related disorders
- Psychotic disorders
Crisis first aid skills for the following situations are learned:
- Substance overdose
- Suicidal behaviour
- Panic attack
- Acute stress reaction
- Psychotic episode
Course Outline:
- Session One: Mental Health and Mental Health Problems
- Session Two: Mood Disorders
- Session Three: Anxiety and Trauma Related Disorders
- Session Four: Psychotic Disorders
Calming exercises
Section titled “Calming exercises”Good for shock, hyperventilation
Breathe with me
Section titled “Breathe with me”- Put hands on other person’s hand or physically distanced. Breath in on moving hand up, breathe out on moving hand down
Box breathing is easy and quick to learn. Anyone can practice this technique and it’s useful in stressful situations when you want to re-center yourself or improve concentration.
Four Steps to Master Box Breathing
- Step 1: Breathe in counting to four slowly. Feel the air enter your lungs.
- Step 2: Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Try to avoid inhaling or exhaling for 4 seconds.
- Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds
- Step 4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 until you feel re-centered.
- Optional: draw a box in the air for the 4 seconds.
Repeat this exercise as many times as you can. 30 seconds of deep breathing will help you feel more relaxed and in control.