Why MHFA Matters

In recent weeks I’ve seen several MHFA haters out there trying to tarnish the reputation of the value of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses and their value in supporting mental health first aid in the workplace. Before we move on, MHFA was never designed, nor is it a clinical or medical intervention. Education and knowledge is power!

It’s a fundamental tool that I truly believe everyone should have to better understand what mental health and mental ill health is. It’s an essential tool to equip people to provide initial support, comfort and empathy for anyone that may be struggling with their mental health.

We know the statistics around poor mental health in the UK are stark. People, sadly, are still struggling each day and every day to open up about their mental or physical health struggles. In my early 20s, I was, and still am, a confident and outgoing person. My passion for life was infectious, and I always wanted to go the extra mile to try and make people feel better. Little did I know that this mindset would lead me to start my own wellbeing business further down the line.

But during this same period, my life started to change. There were issues in my family bubble, which caused me to feel more stressed than normal. Like many of us, I put the mask on, trying to suppress some of the physical symptoms that I was experiencing, sweating, tremors, and digestive issues, often using alcohol and partying as a way of coping.

It all erupted in 2013 when I experienced my first-ever panic attack. I still remember vividly the feeling of overwhelm and panic as I sat at my annual work conference, looking for the nearest exit. Feeling embarrassed, I again, suppressed this as a one-off, “It will be ok, that was strange.” When the reality was, it was the first exposure to a 10-year relationship with anxiety.

I would often go into work with the same positive mindset, but suppressing and pushing the symptoms and feelings back as much as I could. I remember preparing for meetings feeling hot, sweaty, and worried about what the group would think of me. “ What if they can see me sweating, imposter syndrome following me around?” Yet, put on the mask so that everyone around me could see the confident Colin.

Now, fast track 4 years. Same person, same symptoms, albeit more manageable. I tried various herbal remedies, trained like an athlete to release those happy hormones, and would prepare better for big meetings to hide the nerves, yet the feeling was still there. Self-stigma, like many of us, was still a big thing for me. I wouldn’t accept that I struggled with anxiety, no way, not me, it’s just a phase.

One of my coping mechanisms, strangely, was delivering training and coaching. I gained solace and peace in being active with my facilitation and trying to help others excel. Now, this would strike fear in many people, but for me, there was something about being in front of people and taking control of the session that eased these feelings. 

In 2017, I was offered the opportunity to train as a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. I took this opportunity, both for personal development but also to gain insight into how mental health can manifest and how to better understand how to help others. As a learner, the course exceeded my expectations. My fellow instructor trainees equally opened up about their personal struggles, and for once, I felt safe in a room where I could be open and honest with myself and others.

This learning experience took me on a pilgrimage of self-discovery and acceptance. It taught me how to communicate feelings with others, that these symptoms vary, that each diagnosis is different and not fixed. 

It taught me that recovery is possible and that there is a huge range of local, regional, and national support available. It taught me how to kick stigma out the window and learn how to better develop self-care strategies to manage my symptoms. Lastly, it equipped me with the knowledge and power to support and help others. Not to diagnose, or give  advice, but to support, empathise, and spot early signs and symptoms.

So does MHFA work? Absolutely! MHFA has changed my life, and it can change yours.

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