Level 2 Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health is how we think, feel and act. Everyone has mental health just as they have physical health. Mental health can be defined as the level of a person’s psychological well-being, or an absence of mental illness. The U.K. Surgeon Journal (1999), describes mental health as the successful performance of mental function resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationships with other people, and providing the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity. The term mental illness refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders: health conditions characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behaviour associated with distress or impaired functioning.

First aid training is common place in a variety of settings and environments, yet only covers physical illness. With approximately one in four people experiencing a mental health problem each year, and with mental health services stretched beyond capacity, it is important that people know what to do if someone experiences a mental health crisis at work or in their community. Like traditional first aid, Mental Health First Aid does not teach people to diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, the training teaches people how recognise conditions and to offer initial support until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

Learners undertaking this course will be considered First Aiders for Mental Health and be a point of contact within their workplace to help and support those with a suspected mental health condition.