The 5 steps of Mental Health First Aid, 1st) Approximate, assess, and assist with any crisis; 2nd) Listen nonjudgmentally; 3rd) Give reassurance and information; 4th) Encourage appropriate professional help; and 5th) Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
Work is supposed to be about meetings, emails, deadlines, and coffee runs. But often, it becomes more than that. Sometimes, a coworker starts showing up late, missing deadlines, or snapping at small things. Maybe they used to be chatty in the break room, but now they barely speak. At first, you assume they are just tired. Maybe they are stressed about a project. But what if it is something more?
Mental health struggles do not come with warning signs like a broken arm or a coughing fit. But they are just as real. And just like physical first aid, mental health first aid training teaches us how to step in when someone needs help. It is not just about being a good coworker. It is about being a good human.
Work health and safety training in Brisbane covers fire drills and workplace hazards, but emotional well-being is just as critical. A workplace that values its people takes care of their mental health, too. And when someone is struggling, these five steps can make all the difference.
5 Steps of Mental Health First Aid
Step 1: Notice When Something Is Off
People do not always say when they are struggling. They hide it with a smile and say they are fine. But if you pay attention, you can see the signs.
- Maybe a usually organised coworker suddenly starts missing deadlines
- Maybe a quiet colleague becomes irritable and short-tempered
- Maybe someone who was always on time starts calling in sick more often
These small changes might not seem like much on their own, but together, they tell a story. And if something feels off, it probably is. You do not need to diagnose them or assume the worst. Just notice. That is the first step.
Step 2: Reach Out Without Pressure
This is the part that makes people nervous. What if they do not want to talk? What if you say the wrong thing? What if you make it worse? But here is the truth—saying something is always better than saying nothing.
You do not need the perfect words. A simple acknowledgement is enough. Keep it private and casual. If they are not ready to talk, do not push. Just let them know you are there. That small moment of kindness can be more powerful than you realise.
Step 3: Listen Without Trying to Fix It
This is where most people get it wrong. They try to cheer the person up, offer advice, and say things like “Just stay positive” or “We all have tough days.” But that is not what someone in distress needs. They do not need solutions but need to feel heard.
The best thing you can do is listen and let them talk. Let them feel whatever they are feeling. You do not need to fill the silence or come up with the perfect response. A simple “That sounds really hard” or “I’m here for you” is more helpful than a dozen pieces of advice.
Step 4: Offer Help, Not Answers
You are not a therapist and do not need to have all the answers. But you can be a bridge to support. Encourage them to talk to HR, a manager, or a professional. Offer to sit with them while they call an employee assistance program. Sometimes, just knowing someone is willing to stand beside them makes all the difference.
Work health and safety training in Brisbane teaches employees how to handle workplace accidents, but mental health is just as urgent. If a coworker collapsed from a heart attack, you would not hesitate to step in. Mental health struggles deserve the same care.
Step 5: Check In Again
Mental health is not a one-time conversation. Just because someone seemed okay yesterday does not mean they are okay today. Checking in does not have to be a big deal. A simple “Hey, how have you been?” can go a long way.
You do not need to have long, deep talks every day. Just let them know you are still there. That you still care and they are not alone. Because when someone is struggling, feeling seen and valued can be the thing that keeps them going.
Investing in Employee Wellbeing through Mental Health First Aid Training
It’s more crucial than ever to put employee welfare first. Training in Mental Health First Aid is a useful and effective means of addressing the mental health needs of your staff. By lowering stigma, improving output and performance, and putting best practices into practice, businesses may foster a culture that supports mental health, which will eventually result in happier, healthier, and more engaged workers.
In addition to being a wise investment, giving your staff Mental Health First Aid Training is an essential step in putting their welfare first. Employers may establish a supportive culture that lowers stigma, improves employee performance, and cultivates a pleasant work environment by comprehending and addressing mental health in the workplace. Employees who get Mental Health First Aid Training are more equipped to identify and address mental health issues early on, facilitating early assistance and intervention.
Organisations may enhance individual results and foster a more prosperous and productive workforce by making investments in employee wellness. For the sake of your staff and the company as a whole, it’s time to prioritise Mental Health First Aid Training.
Who Should Undergo Mental Health First Aid Training?
All employees, regardless of their position or level within the company, benefit from mental health first aid training. For people in leadership roles, human resources specialists, and those in charge of employee welfare, it is especially crucial. All employees, however, benefit from this training as it promotes a compassionate and encouraging work environment.
We spend so much time at work, sit next to the same people, share lunch breaks, stressful meetings, and team wins. We see each other at our best and our worst. And when someone is struggling, stepping up is not just the right thing to do. It is what makes a workplace more than just a job.
Mental health first aid training is not about fixing people. It is about noticing, reaching out, listening, supporting, and following up. It is about reminding each other that we are not just employees—we are people. And people need each other.
