How can you support yourself and others: advice from our Mental Health First Aiders

How can you support your colleagues, learners and yourself?

To mark National Wellness Month this August, we asked our Mental Health First Aiders to share their experiences, advice and top tips on looking after yourself and others.

Teri Greaves

“I decided to become a Mental Health First Aider as I think it is really important that people feel they have someone to talk to, and sometimes it’s hard to speak to people close to you such as family and friends. In my role I’m here to listen and not judge, as sometimes saying it out loud can take a massive weight off and ease any anxiety, worry or stress it may be causing.

I can also offer signposting and guidance on where you can look to access further support. Sometimes having an impartial person to speak with is enough, but sometimes you may want to know more about services and groups in your area you might not be aware of already. This is the type of support I can offer as a Mental Health First Aider.

When I’m feeling stressed or anxious I make sure to take time and go for a walk, listening to my favourite music. This allows me to have a break from my own thoughts. I also find reading really helps with this. Immersing myself in a story is a great distraction.”

Jennie Rossiter

“I have been a First Aider since 2012, covering many large-scale events in the northwest. I have treated hundreds of casualties with ailments such as cuts and grazes all the way up to fractures, heart attacks and drink/ drug related complications. I deeply value the ability to help people when they may be unable to help themselves, however I was only trained to treat physical health and not mental or emotional health. When Open Awards offered Mental Health First Aider training, I jumped at the chance.

The role of a Mental Health First Aider is very important to me, as I am someone who has struggled previously with my own mental and emotional health. In previous employment, services were available to talk to a professional, but I have always found it easier to talk to people who already know me. This personal aspect helps with being a Mental Health First Aider. We can see if a colleagues’ mood or demeanour has changed and we can offer support without them feeling like they need to reach out.

I am always here with a judge-free listening.

When daily stresses start getting to me, I start by listening to music, getting a hot drink, and getting some fresh air.

If I still can’t reduce the stress, I try my best to communicate to those who need to know that I’m currently stressed or overwhelmed and what I plan to do (changing tasks, leaving the room for a short amount of time, going to get something to eat). Usually after communicating with people, I have found that people are very understanding and supportive, which also helps to bring the stress levels back down again.”

Grant Clark

“When I heard about the role of Mental Health First Aider, I immediately thought this was something that would be of interest to me.

I still feel there is a stigma around mental health amongst men and thought we should certainly have a man in the role at the organisation, so I decided to put my name in the hat.

Thankfully, it hasn’t been too busy with any issues yet, but the role will involve being available to anyone who needs quiet, confidential support with any issues affecting their mental health, whether it be within the workplace, at home or just generally.

I think it is crucial for people within the workplace to have someone they feel they can speak to about issues that may be tricky to navigate due to their sensitivity and without ever encroaching on the person’s right to privacy around such issues.

Daily stress and anxiety can be something that affects us all in different ways and at different times of our lives. Therefore, it is important for us all to be mindful of others because we never really know what other people are going through or how they are feeling.

My top tip to help with any stress is to get out and exercise if you can, especially outside this always helps me.”