Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is the immediate help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional treatment is received.
Mental health problems are common.
- One out of every five Australians (about 20%) will experience some form of mental illness each year. Three out of every ten (about 3%) will be seriously affected.
- Approximately two thirds of people with a mental illness do not receive any treatment in any 12 month period.
- The 2001 National Health Survey estimated that 1.8 million Australians (9.6% of the population) had a long term mental or behavioural problem of more than 6 months duration.
- Around one million Australian adults and 100,000 young people live with depression each year.
Mental Health Council of Australia
In collaboration with Norwood, Mayfield Education presents you with an innovative approach to assisting those who need help.
This course is designed to give workers without clinical training some skills to help someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis situation. The philosophy behind the course is that mental health crises, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention with people developing mental disorders. If crises do arise, then members of the public can take action to reduce the harms that could result.
Course Content
This course covers problems that are common and includes the following:
- Introduction to common mental illnesses: depression, anxiety disorders and substance use problems - as well as the less common disorders of psychosis, eating disorders and deliberate self-harm
- Crisis first aid skills for suicidal behavour acute stress reaction, panic attacks, acute psychotic episode, drug overdoes
- Ongoing first aid skills for all common mental illnesses
- What are the warning signs
- How to address difficult situations
- How and where to get the right help
This 2 day program focuses on the immediate help you can provide a person developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis, until appropriate professional treatment is received.
Participants upon completion will be able to assist in the support and referral of those experiencing mental health concerns.
Delivery
Two one day sessions from 09.00 am to 16.30 pm.
Dates
Monday 7 and Friday 11 May 2012
Award
Certificate of Attendance
CNE points
15 CNE points for registered nurses
Fee
$420. Light lunch provided.
Closing Date
Three weeks prior to course commencement
Location
Hawthorn campus. This program can be delivered at your work place/community centre (if more than 10 participants).
