Helen’s story: Mental Health & Me
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending one of the Mental Health First Aid training course at our offices in Leeds. I attended the 1 day champion course which was a mixture of group activities, presentations and discussions. The 1 day course is aimed at giving you an understanding of some common mental health issues, the confidence to advocate for mental health awareness, and the ability to listen non-judgementaly to somebody who may be suffering and signpost if needed.
Firstly, I was quite surprised at how many people suffer with poor mental health, and it was rather shocking to see the statistics of how it not only affects the individual and the workplace, but also how it has such a huge impact on loved ones supporting those who are suffering.
I’ve always been really open and honest about my own mental health, and I’m not afraid to say that I do suffer with anxiety but I manage to control it through self-care, exercise and meditation. It was quite comforting to know that I’m not the only one feeling like this and to be able to speak out openly and confidentially with the group to hear their take on things.
The course
Tara, our affiliated MHFA trainer, was fantastic. She has such a good way of explaining things to make you understand and to make you really think. She started some really good conversations during the course which gave the attendees an opportunity to openly discuss their views and feelings – only if they wanted to (Tara made it clear from the start that you don’t have to do or say anything that will make you feel uncomfortable). It was really refreshing to get a room full of different opinions and to see things from another perspective.
I learned all about the most common mental health issues and how conditions like these can have such a huge impact on the individual. The course helped me to spot the signs of poor mental health and gave me the confidence to speak to somebody who I think could be struggling – whether that’s at home or at work. But most of all the course gave me the understanding of how we are all different, we all deal with life differently and that anybody can be affected.
Don’t lose out!
If you’re reading this now and wondering whether or not to book our MHFA training, just do it. It’s so so important to create a better understanding of mental health in the workplace and to be more aware so that you can adequately support your workplace. Providing mental health training to your employees or management can reduce the stigma around this subject and will provide somebody in the workplace where employees can go to for support.
I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the understanding and support of my work colleagues and my friends and family. They’ve always supported me and been there through the good times and the bad. You might not think it will do any good asking somebody if they are okay, but you never know unless you try. After all, you could be saving somebody’s life!
Book today!
To find out more or to book one of our certified MHFA training courses, please visit https://ticket.global-events.org/o/231. If you have been affected by anything in this article or want to reach out for some support, please drop me a line at helen.lambert@theworksrec.co.uk. I really want to help other people who may be suffering and share my story with them. Thank you for listening!