Earlier this year I was asked and delighted to attend a 2 day Mental Health First Aid Course in Winchester. The course was intensive and covered some very serious content, and by the end I had learned a lot. Having the availability of a Mental Health First Aider within M12 Solutions is a real benefit and a positive move forward. It shows the refreshing approach that we, as a company, are taking towards the subject of mental health and the well-being of our employees.
The topic of mental health can sometimes lead to preconceived ideas of serious conditions and the stigma/discriminations that can be associated with these conditions. Mental health struggles can stem from issues that cause daily stress, but which ultimately can push us as an individual to a point where we feel like we can’t cope. This in turn could possibly lead to a variety of more serious conditions. I certainly attended the course thinking I would learn a great deal, but with many of my own misconceptions about mental health. Attending this course opened my eyes to the fact that mental health issues are very common and can affect us all at one time or various stages of our lives due to negative situations that we encounter, and that there should be no stigma attached to having any type of mental health struggle.
As the M12 Mental First Aider, I have been taught how to recognize the symptoms of mental health problems, but I am here to offer assistance and to listen non-judgmentally. I cannot as a MHFA offer advice but can listen, offer re-assurance & information and can also point people in the right direction of any professional appropriate guidance or self-help strategies.
One of the big discussion points on the course was about keeping our mind healthy and allowing time for ourselves. In this modern day everyone has busy jobs and home lives etc. Factoring in time just for ourselves can sometimes be very difficult, but if I can pass on one piece of advice it is this; for 1 hour a week just put aside some time for YOU. The brain needs to feel happy, healthy and relaxed, so for that 1 hour do something that you enjoy, whatever it may be. I certainly now do this and can feel the benefit. Be selfish for that hour, it all helps to maintain a healthy and happy balance.
