mental health first aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the initial help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis before appropriate professional or other assistance can be engaged. This course is designed to increase mental health literacy, to decrease stigmatizing attitudes in our communities and to increase appropriate and early help-seeking by people with mental health problems.

This 12-hour course teaches people how to give first aid to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis situation and/or who are in the early stages of a mental health disorder. Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems, where and when to get help, and what type of help has been shown to be effective.

  1. Mental health problems covered are depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury.
  2. Crisis situations covered include suicidal behaviors, acute stress reaction after a trauma, panic attack, acute psychotic behavior and drug overdose.

Demonstrated participant benefits include:

  1. Better recognition of mental health problems
  2. Greater understanding and utilization of evidence-based treatments;
  3. Reduced stigma surrounding mental illnesses;
  4. Increased confidence in providing help to others; and
  5. Greater amount of help provided to others in the six months following the course.

Mental Health First Aid Action Plan:

  • Assess risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen non -judgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self–help and other support strategies from peers, family and friends.

For More information:

Contact MHFA Regional Coordinator at MHAMD chapters to request MHFA trainings in your community: