The first mental health aid was created in 2001 by Australians Betty Kitchener and Anthony Jorm. First aid for mental health is about being able to approach someone in need. The goal is not to diagnose someone, but to give them the opportunity to understand that they need professional help.
The key points of this program are:
- Identify the risk of suicide or injury
- Listen without prejudice
- Give confidence and information
- Encourage professional help
- Encourage self-help and support strategies
These points can be implemented in almost any situation related to mental health. First aid for mental health has the same concept as the phrase "first aid". The only thing a person who has the ability to provide first aid has to do is take care of the person until the professionals come.
Usually physical health is addressed with a kind of urgency that mental health does not possess. This is probably because it is not visible. However, mental health causes many people to suffer constantly.
This program has many points that it focuses on fully conveying to all those who show interest in becoming first aid providers for mental health.
Source: Well and Good
