What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help given to a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis, but before he or she can obtain professional help. The MHFA Training was developed in Australia in 2000 and was supported by the ORYGEN Research Centre of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. It has been evaluated and disseminated internationally ever since. In regards to Hong Kong, the coordinating agency is the The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.
Aims of MHFA
These are the aims Mental Health First Aid stand by, and they include:
Preserving life
Providing comfort
Preventing the situation from getting worse
Promoting recovery for people who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis
5 Stages of MHFA:
There are five stages to Mental Health First Aid’s ways to confront a person experiencing a mental health crisis, with ALGEE being the acronym more commonly used.
Approach the person, asses and assist with any crisis
Listen and communicate non judgmentally to what they have to say
Give support and information
Encourage the person to get professional help (from a counselor etc.)
Encourage other supports (hotlines, mental health organisations)
Mental Health First Aid Courses:
Anyone can join a course and can:
Learn about signs and symptoms of common mental health problems, such as Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Psychosis, and Substance Misuse
Be able to intervene and manage mental health emergencies as a first responder, such as Panic attacks, Suicide, Self-harm, Addictions
Be able to identify the resources available in the local community
The courses are run by The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, Mind HK, HKU and Baptist University.
Sources:
Writer: Shen Tan
Editor: Berinice Lau
Artist: Pihu Agarwal
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