Introduction

Mental health is a growing concern in workplaces worldwide. Employees are increasingly facing mental health challenges that can affect their wellbeing and productivity. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is designed to help individuals identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health crises at work. This course equips managers, HR professionals, team leaders, and other employees with the skills needed to offer initial support to those experiencing mental health issues. Participants will learn how to approach sensitive conversations, offer support, and direct individuals to appropriate professional resources.

Objectives

By the end of this 5-day course, participants will:

1. Understand common mental health conditions in the workplace, including stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
2. Learn how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of mental health issues in colleagues.
3. Develop practical skills in providing mental health first aid to coworkers and employees.
4. Gain knowledge of the different mental health resources and services available for employees.
5. Build confidence in supporting colleagues while maintaining confidentiality and respecting boundaries.
6. Create an inclusive workplace culture that promotes mental health awareness and reduces stigma.
7. Understand the legal responsibilities of organizations regarding mental health at work and how to foster a supportive work environment.

Who Should Attend?

• Managers, supervisors, and team leaders who oversee employee wellbeing.
• HR professionals responsible for employee support and mental health initiatives.
• Occupational health and safety officers.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) counselors.
• Business owners or leaders seeking to improve workplace wellbeing.
• Anyone interested in learning how to support colleagues dealing with mental health challenges in the workplace.

5-Day Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Mental Health in the Workplace

• What is Mental Health?
  • Understanding the concept of mental health and its importance in the workplace.
  • Mental health vs. mental illness: Key differences and common misconceptions.
  • The impact of mental health on employee productivity, engagement, and overall wellbeing.
• Prevalence of Mental Health Issues at Work
  • Understanding the statistics: The growing rates of mental health issues in the workplace.
  • Risk factors and causes of mental health challenges in the workplace.
  • Common mental health conditions faced by employees: stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, burnout, etc.
• Legal Framework and Workplace Mental Health Policies
  • An overview of legal obligations and organizational responsibilities regarding mental health.
  • Understanding employee rights, accommodations, and confidentiality laws.
  • Best practices for creating a mental health-friendly workplace culture.
• Workshop: Discussing the barriers to mental health support in the workplace and how to reduce stigma.

Day 2: Recognizing Mental Health Symptoms and Early Signs

• Identifying Mental Health Symptoms
  • Recognizing signs of stress, anxiety, and depression in employees.
  • Understanding how mental health symptoms manifest in the workplace: behavior, mood changes, and physical signs.
  • Spotting the early warning signs of burnout and other mental health conditions.
• Approaching a Colleague in Need of Support
  • How to start a conversation with a colleague who may be struggling with their mental health.
  • Approaches to active listening: creating a safe and supportive environment for employees.
  • Setting boundaries and respecting privacy during these sensitive conversations.
• Mental Health Crises
  • How to recognize when an employee may be in crisis or at risk of harm (e.g., suicidal thoughts, severe panic attacks).
  • Understanding when immediate action is necessary and how to respond.
  • Knowing when and how to escalate issues to HR or mental health professionals.
• Workshop: Role-playing scenarios to practice recognizing signs of mental health issues and starting supportive conversations.

Day 3: Providing Mental Health First Aid

• What is Mental Health First Aid?
  • Defining Mental Health First Aid and its key principles.
  • The role of a Mental Health First Aider in providing initial support and guidance.
  • Do’s and Don’ts of offering mental health first aid: maintaining empathy and non-judgment.
• Approaching Employees in Crisis
  • Step-by-step guide to responding to someone in mental health distress.
  • How to support an employee experiencing a panic attack, anxiety, or depressive episode.
  • Offering reassurance, comfort, and guidance without overstepping personal boundaries.
• Referral and Resources
  • How to connect employees with professional mental health services: Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), counselors, and mental health hotlines.
  • Understanding when to involve HR, managers, or external professionals.
  • Confidentiality and respecting privacy when making referrals.
• Workshop: Practicing mental health first aid techniques in small group scenarios, with feedback from trainers.

Day 4: Building a Mentally Healthy Workplace

• Promoting Mental Health Awareness
  • How to promote mental health awareness in the workplace: workshops, seminars, and training.
  • Creating an open environment where employees feel comfortable discussing mental health.
  • Overcoming stigma and promoting acceptance of mental health issues.
• Employee Wellbeing Initiatives
  • Implementing organizational policies to support mental health and wellbeing.
  • Stress management programs, flexible working arrangements, and resources for mental health support.
  • How to integrate mental health into overall employee wellbeing programs.
• Resilience and Coping Strategies for Employees
  • Teaching employees how to build mental resilience and cope with workplace stress.
  • Mindfulness, relaxation, and other self-care techniques for maintaining mental wellbeing.
• Workshop: Developing a mental health awareness campaign or program for your organization.

Day 5: Supporting Employees Long-Term and Crisis Management

• Ongoing Support and Monitoring
  • How to provide continued support to employees after the initial mental health intervention.
  • Following up on employees who have received mental health support: check-ins and offering further assistance.
  • Creating a culture of support and openness, ensuring employees know they can seek help when needed.
• Crisis Management and Return-to-Work Plans
  • Managing employees returning to work after a mental health crisis or extended absence.
  • Developing a return-to-work plan that accommodates the employee’s needs and ensures workplace wellbeing.
  • Addressing workplace stressors that may trigger or worsen mental health conditions.
• Building a Mental Health Support Network
  • Encouraging peer support and training employees to be mental health advocates.
  • Building a team of mental health first aiders within the organization.
  • How to ensure mental health is incorporated into overall health and safety policies.
• Workshop: Developing a crisis management and return-to-work strategy for an employee experiencing mental health challenges.

Final Assessment and Certification

• Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of the knowledge gained, including a written test and practical demonstration of Mental Health First Aid skills.
• Certification.