"Why I love being a Mental Health First Aider"
Admin by day, MHFA 24/7 - Very few people who know me personally know that I finished my “Mental Health First Aider” exam, MHFA for short, at 11:34 pm on December 31, 2020.
Yes, I secretly took this first aid course from ensa swiss during the first lockdown and completed the exam online at the end of the year. Surprise - Shorty !!
WHAT IS a MENTAL HEALTH First Aider?
MHFA are laypeople who learn basic knowledge about psychological problems, they know the tools of first aid and know how to apply them. If people in our private or professional environment go through acute psychological difficulties or crises, they can be supported by MHFAs until professional help takes over. Similar to the emergency helper course, which in this country must be completed before starting the driver's license. The ensa first aid course is completed with a certificate after passing the exam and must be renewed every three years. MHFAs are still pioneers in Switzerland, so this is currently not a profession and the activity is not compensated.
DISCLAIMER: MHFAs are not health care professionals, are not allowed to make diagnoses and are not a substitute for doctors or therapists.
WHY CAN A FIRST AIDER HELP rather THAN A THERAPIST?
Those affected receive help faster - first aiders are in some way close to those affected, so they can recognize psychological problems and acute crises as they arise and therefore act early. A lack of information on issues relating to mental health often means that those affected do not know what is going on with them and how they should or can deal with it. You have to self activate to get a therapist. This step alone requires effort and strength. At this state one has already recognized psychological difficulties or even problems in oneself. In addition, there is the stigma of mental illness, distrtust of doctors and therapists, fear, lack of knowledge about possible therapies, shame and / or cultural beliefs and so on. All of this often makes reaching for the phone even more difficult or makes it completely impossible to seek suitable help. We are there to help, stabilize, inform and support.
DISCLAIMER: MHFAs are not health care professionals, are not allowed to make diagnoses and are not a substitute for doctors or therapists.
DO MHFA PROACTIVELY APPROACH PEOPLE IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT OR ARE YOU INQUIRED?
It's a mix of both. With an honest “How are you?” The conversation usually arises automatically regardless of place and time, gender, age or status. Years of working in fast-paced and fluctuating work environments have sharpened my adaptability. Even before the course, “recognizing customer needs” was one of my greatest strengths, which can now be derived very well to “recognizing well-being”. People who talk to me beyond small talk know and feel that I am listening to them and always try to understand them without judging or patronizing them. But it also often happens that someone calls or writes me and mentions directly that an open ear and possibly my advice is needed. If the situation requires it, I ask more directly and offer my expertise. Important: I don't force my help onto anyone. Of course, I also have normal conversations and exuberant parties where mental health is not in the foreground.
DISCLAIMER: MHFAs are not health care professionals, are not allowed to make diagnoses and are not a substitute for doctors or therapists.
WHY I BECAME A MHFA
I used to believe that mental illnesses couldn't be cured and that one just had to live with. In this misconception I, like so many others, wasted the best years of my life. Not in school nor in the media was the importance of psychological education conveyed to us - on the contrary!
In 2017, three years before I knew about the course, I began to deal extensively with mental health, its illnesses and possible solutions. Not as an apprentice, but as an affected person who didn't know anymore what to do next.
After a lot of research, trying out, unlearning and learning new things, I made progress and after a while I was able to develop a deeper understanding of myself and others. When my employer offered the opportunity to do this course extra occupational, I registered immediately and in the end I was not disappointed.
The opportunity to actively create a better reality for those affected, to enlighten them and thus to counteract this taboo topic, let me realize on a daily basis that I can transform a part of my own suffering into something meaningful. I love all of that about it so much!
DISCLAIMER: MHFAs are not health care professionals, are not allowed to make diagnoses and are not a substitute for doctors or therapists.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH First Aider?
Anyone can become a Mental Health First Aider! All those interested can register via the ensa website. The courses start several times a year and in different languages. You do not need any previous knowledge or special aptitudes and skills to take part in this first aid course.
It is for everyone who wants to acquire the following and more:
Knowledge of mental health
Being able to trust in one's own help
Strengthen your own mental health
Practical know-how in mental health problems and acute crises
DISCLAIMER: MHFAs are not health care professionals, are not allowed to make diagnoses and are not a substitute for doctors or therapists.
What are your thoughts right now? Which questions did I not answer? Write to me in the comment section.
Click here for the ensa.swiss website. (this is not an advertisement or a partner program)
