Mental Health First Aid: What You Actually Need to Know
Let’s be honest - mental health still doesn’t get the same attention as physical health, even though it should. We may know what to do if someone faints or cuts themselves, but what about when someone is having a panic attack or feeling completely overwhelmed or even suicidal? That’s where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) comes in. Completely different to being ‘Mental Health Aware’ (though I still think that’s pretty awesome too!), it equips and empowers you to step in when necessary and signpost accordingly.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
MHFA is basically a crash course in knowing what to do when someone is struggling mentally. It teaches you how to spot when someone isn’t OK, how to support them, and how to guide them toward the right kind of help. I’m not creating therapists or medical professionals - just someone who can step up when it matters.
Why Does Mental Health First Aid Matter?
Mental health problems are everywhere - 1 in 4 people in England will experience one each year (Big Mental Health Report 2024, Mind). That’s a lot of people. Too many suffer in silence because they’re scared to speak up, they belong to a group of people who suffer stigma, or they don’t know how to begin having that conversation with someone. MHFA helps by:
Making mental health less awkward - because talking about it should be as normal as talking about a cold.
Giving people the confidence to actually help, rather than panic or say the wrong thing.
Stopping things from escalating - early support can make all the difference.
Creating a culture of support instead of silence.
What Do Mental Health First Aiders Actually Do?
If you’re MHFA trained, you’ll know how to:
Recognise when someone’s struggling - spot the signs before things get worse.
Listen without judgment - because sometimes, people just need to be heard.
Encourage them to get help - point them toward professionals or self-care strategies.
Stay calm in a crisis - whether it’s anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or just a really bad day.
Be a supportive presence - because knowing someone has your back can be life-changing.
The Urgency of Mental Health Training
The Big Mental Health Report 2024 highlights the real cost of ignoring mental health:
2 million people in England are currently on a waiting list for NHS mental health support.
19% of mental health workforce roles in England are vacant, meaning services are struggling to keep up with demand.
74% of managers say they are concerned about their team’s mental health, but a third feel out of their depth in providing support.
The economic cost of mental ill health in England is estimated at £300 billion per year - double the annual NHS budget.
These stats show just how crucial it is for workplaces and communities to be proactive in mental health support. MHFA training isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential skill in today’s world.
Who Should Get Mental Health First Aid Training?
Without sounding glib…everyone. But especially managers, teachers, HR professionals, healthcare workers, and anyone who deals with people. Workplaces, in particular, benefit massively from having MHFA-trained staff - it reduces stress, boosts morale, and creates a safer, more open culture.
How to Get Certified in Mental Health First Aid
At Sonny Side Up, we make MHFA training engaging, practical, and actually useful. Not training that’s only boring slides, just real-world skills that help you feel confident supporting others. Whether you need training for work or just you want to be a more informed, empowered friend, we’ve got courses that fit your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Mental Health First Aid isn’t just another certificate to stick on your LinkedIn - it’s a lifesaving skill. Whether it’s helping a friend through a tough time, supporting a colleague, or just being more aware, MHFA gives you the tools to make a real impact.
Want to get trained? Check out www.sonnysideup.co.uk for more info.