Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) Course

I have now completed the Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid (SMHFA) Course.

The course takes 12 hours and is often run on two separate days, although sometimes it will be in shorter sessions over two, four or six weeks.

It is an interesting course that includes different activities, films, discussions and even some fun and laughter.

What are the Aims of SMHFA?

The aims of SMHFA are:

To preserve life.
To provide help to prevent the mental health problem or crisis developing into a more serious state.
To promote the recovery of good mental health.
To provide comfort to a person experiencing distress.
To promote understanding of mental health issues.

The course gives participants the knowledge to apply these aims in a real life situation.

How to apply the 5 steps of SMHFA.
How to respond if you believe someone is at risk of suicide.
How to give immediate help until professional help is available.
What to say and do in a crisis.
The importance of good listening skills.
Practice listening and responding.
Understanding recovery from mental health problems.
Understanding the connection between mental health problems and alcohol and drugs.
Understanding the connection between mental health problems and discrimination.
Some basic information about common mental health problems.
Self help information.

Many thanks to my two trainers for delivering an insightful and interesting course.