Workplace Mental Health First Aid: Essential for Roma Employers

What Is Mental Health First Aid and How Can I Help in a Crisis?

When I first heard about Mental Health First Aid, I didn’t quite understand what it meant. Having spent years working alongside Australian adults, I’ve seen firsthand how people often ignore symptoms of mental illness, especially in the workplace. Sometimes, it’s a family member or a colleague who’s quietly experiencing a tough period. That’s why mental health first aid courses became so important for me—not just as an employer, but as a person who cares.

The skills taught in a mental health first aid course can make a high impact. If you’re ever aware that someone is struggling with a mental illness, you want to be prepared. Whether it’s your family member or a colleague, being ready means you’re not left feeling helpless during a crisis. Instead, you feel confident, you act calmly, and you know your main concern is their health and safety.

For me, there was a day a colleague had a sudden panic attack at work. Instead of freezing, I remembered my training and was able to help right away. I made sure there was no immediate danger, checked if any medical help was needed, and supported them with a steady presence. Just as we all know physical first aid can save a life, being prepared and equipped with these skills means you really can make a difference for someone in need.

There are different types of mental illnesses and many ways a situation can unfold. Some mental health crises come with degrees of severity. But with the right approach, you can help others and maybe even save a life. I’ve found that knowing what to do—even just the basics from a mental health first aid course—takes away that fear of doing the wrong thing. Instead, you’re ready to reach out, listen, and get them the help they deserve.

What Is the Purpose of Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace?

When you work with many different people, it’s easy to forget that anyone can be experiencing a mental health issue—even if it’s not obvious. In my experience, it can feel overwhelming if you don’t know how to respond or where your role begins and ends. That’s exactly why Mental Health First Aid is so important for Roma employers.

You don’t have to diagnose or provide therapy. Your main job is to support until someone more qualified arrives and can take over. This is just like regular First Aid: you’re not expected to fix an individual—you’re the first point of contact. For example, if you see an asthma attack or bleeding wound, you know the basic steps until help arrives. But when it comes to mental health, the signs are usually more subtle.

I remember once approaching someone who looked anxious and withdrawn at work. Instead of thinking it was my burden to solve everything, I focused on recognising the issue and then referring them to medical professionals. Sometimes, just being willing to talk, acknowledge the problem, and open the door to communication is the best thing you can do.

With physical first aid, we practice CPR and bandaging. In mental health, it’s about knowing when to speak and when to listen, how to approach with care, and when to take direct action. The sad truth is, thousands of people are losing lives each year in relation to mental health—often because nobody takes action soon enough. That’s why Mental Health First Aid is a worthy training for any workplace, especially when taking action could mean saving a life.

What Is a Mental Illness?

When we talk about mental illness, we need to remember that it’s much more common than most people think. Mental illness does not discriminate—it can affect anyone, no matter their gender, age, income, or culture. In fact, almost 45% of Australians aged 16-85 (that’s about 7.3 million people) will experience a mental disorder at some point in their life, according to the ABS 2008 survey.

A mental illness is a disturbance in how a person understands emotions and behaviours, leading to problems or dysfunction in daily life. Some people feel depressed or anxious to the point where they need to be diagnosed. If you notice symptoms of mental illness in yourself or someone else, the best step is to see a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist. They use strict criteria from medical textbooks such as the DSM to make a diagnosis.

There are also some myths about mental illness—for example, not everyone with a mental illness is violent or out of control all the time or unable to work. The truth is, many people with a mental illness go on living full lives, sometimes with support. As Steven Fry once described, mental illness is a lot like the weather—it’s real, it exists, and sometimes it rains or gets wet even though we can’t control a stormy day. As a First Aider, your job isn’t to change the storm, but to help someone through it.

Some Common Types of Mental Disorders

Some common types of mental disorders are seen everywhere, even in the workplace. For example, anxiety affects about 14% of Australians over a 12-month period. It’s more than just feeling stress before a job interview. It can mean persistent worries that get in the way of your ability to function in daily life, sometimes even leading to panic attacks as a main symptom.

Mood disorders are another group and affect roughly 6% of Australians. These involve extremes in mood, such as mania and depression. Sometimes, people cycle between these moods for months or even years. As a First Aider, you might see someone experience this type of disorder at one time, but not both extremes together.

Then there are psychotic disorders, which affect about 3% of people. An example is schizophrenia, but drug-induced psychosis is also common. These disorders can change a person’s perceptions, thoughts, movements, and many aspects of everyday functioning.

What Is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis is when an individual has an abnormal reaction to a traumatic or negative experience or event. It’s a time when someone’s response to things like loss, relationship difficulties, violence, trauma, or overwhelming pressure and stress becomes too much to handle. Sometimes, health issues, an accident, a disaster, or even drug or alcohol misuse can push someone into a crisis.

In these moments, a person might show suicidality (suicidal thoughts), aggression, or self-harm. Other signs include a sudden onset of a serious mental health problem, acting on suicidal thoughts, trying to harm self or harm others, severe anxiety attacks, or intense traumatic reactions like psychosis. For some, the crisis is linked to a known illness; for others, it’s triggered by alcohol or drug use.

When a mental health crisis happens, it’s not just a problem with emotions—it’s a real emergency that needs a caring, immediate response.

What Duty of Care Am I Obligated To Provide?

In the workplace, being a designated first aider comes with the responsibility to assist anyone facing mental health issues. Your main priority is the safety of yourself, others, and the casualty. If you ever have doubts about what to do, it’s always best to call for help immediately.

Every company should have clear policies and procedures, but there’s also a legal duty of care you must follow as a first aider. This means if you decide to intervene and offer assistance, you need to make sure you are trained, prepared, and have the confidence and skills to do so.

In short, your duty is to help as much as you can, while keeping everyone safe and following your workplace’s rules.

What Steps Should I Follow to Intervene in a Mental Health Crisis?

When stepping in during mental health crises, it’s important to approach each situation with sensitivity. Sometimes these moments are severe and the results can be life-changing for the individual involved. You need to be empathetic, not judgemental, and remember that the person is in a vulnerable position—feeling close to the edge or even pushed too far.

The first step is to Listen. Use your HEAD:

• Hazards – Always check for dangers to yourself or others and stay safe.
  
• Engage – Don’t hesitate to call 000 if the crisis warrants it.
  
• Ask – Start by helping the person open up, gently asking what is happening and letting them explain how they’re feeling. Encourage them to talk about their opinions and, if there’s any risk of suicide, never leave them alone—get help immediately.
  
• Direct – Take action to plan help. This might mean contacting their GP or a trusted family member.
  

Finally, Debrief with a self-check. Notice how you’re feeling after the crisis. Don’t hesitate to talk to a peer or a mental health professional if you’re experiencing distress.

How Can I Recognise The Signs That A Person Might Be At Risk?

Sometimes, you can recognise the signs that a person might be at risk by noticing small but important changes. If someone shows an inability to deal with simple tasks, or if they’re not eating and there’s a lack of personal hygiene, these are clear warning signs. You might see a big difference in sleeping patterns or sudden mood swings and bursts of energy that don’t match their normal self.

Other signs include withdrawing from friends and family, or a big shift in behaviour—like becoming agitated, threatening, or even abusive towards others or self. Watch for signs of drug or alcohol use or someone losing touch with reality. If they seem unable to recognise friends or family, show confusion or disorientation, or mention hearing voices or seeing visions, these are all serious red flags.

There can also be unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach problems, or a clear change in facial expressions. The most urgent warning signs are suicidality—when someone is telling someone about their struggles, making an attempt, or sharing their plans.

What Support Can I Provide Someone I Suspect Might Be Suicidal?

Supporting someone you suspect might be suicidal is a difficult and sometimes alarming situation. The most important thing you can do is listening—let them share their thoughts and feelings without judgment. If they talk about suicide, ask gently if they have a plan or the means to carry it out.

If they say yes, call 000 immediately and do not leave them alone until help arrives. Stay calm, offer reassurance, and let them know you are there for them.

Where Can I Go For Assistance?

If you or someone you know needs assistance, there are many options to get help. In an emergency, always call emergency services or an Ambulance right away. There are also Crisis Assessment and Treatment Teams (CATT) who work 24/7 to support people in a mental health crisis. You can also reach out to mental health professionals like your GP, psychiatrists, psychologists, or counsellors for expert care.

If someone is in immediate danger, get help fast. Many workplaces offer an Employee Assistance Program with confidential support. There are also helplines available: Lifeline, Beyondblue, the Suicide Callback Service, Kids Helpline, Headspace, ReachOut, and Mindhealth Connect can all be contacted for urgent support.

Online, you can find written resources that are trustworthy and easy to use. It’s always good to encourage people to seek help from a professional, and to follow up even if they seem reluctant at first.

What About Me?

When you’re helping someone as a mental health First Aider, it’s easy to forget about looking after yourself. But it’s just as important as supporting the casualty. After a crisis, take time to debrief and check how you’re feeling. These situations can be stressful and draining, even if you feel strong in the moment.

If you find yourself struggling after you provide mental health First Aid, don’t hesitate to talk to people you trust—like friends, family, or a mental health professional—if you need support. Your wellbeing matters too.

Mental Health Training – Keeping a Mentally Healthy Workplace

Mental health training is the first aid training for the mind, and it’s essential in every workplace today. You might hear about mental health in the media or on social platforms, but in real settings like the workplace, it has a clear definition. It means a state of well-being where an individual can realise their potential, cope with normal stresses of life, and work productively and fruitfully. It’s also about making a positive contribution to the community.

Everyone deals with everyday stresses—things like family, relationships, children, finances, or even illness can all take a toll. Any one of these can become a stressor. The statistics are real: one in five Australians will experience difficulties with mental health in any given year, and half of us will be suffering from a mental health disorder at some point in our life.

That’s why ongoing mental health training in the workplace matters. It prepares people to notice the signs, support each other, and keep the work environment healthy for everyone.

Poor Mental Health in the Workplace – Breaking Down the Statistics

Poor mental health in the workplace is a growing concern, with an influx of mental health issues affecting many Australians. It’s often difficult to juggle work and life stresses, especially in a changing climate where employees are facing more pressure than ever. As a result, more people are struggling with poor mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and even anger.

A major survey in 2021 showed that 96% of Australians believe treating mental health is just as important as physical health. Still, 7 out of 10 workers—69%—have witnessed a colleague showing symptoms of mental health issues in the workplace. Even more telling, three quarters (75%) have noticed barriers to support when it comes to developing a mental illness or facing a crisis.

All these high percentages point to a need for better skills and training. By teaching employees how to approach situations and handle a crisis situation, workplaces can create a safer environment. Mental health training helps provide support, equip employees with skills, and prepare everyone for those times when someone is confronted with a bad day.

Are Workplaces Supporting Employees Experiencing Mental Health Problems?

Are workplaces supporting employees experiencing mental health problems? For most Australians, the answer is getting better, but there’s still work to do. 9 out of 10 employers (93%) agree they have a responsibility to look after the mental health of their workers. More workplaces are now trying to support employees with mental health problems, but the kind of help varies.

Traditionally, people went to HR for advice if they had severe issues, but not everyone wants to openly talk about their struggles, especially when it might affect their performance. Since many Australians spend about 40 hours a week at their workplace, it’s important for companies to have a plan.

That’s where a Mental Health First Aid Officer comes in. This person is skilled and trained to recognise signs of a mental health crisis, and can proactively approach employees who may need help. They are there to make sure the right steps are taken, and that each situation is assessed with care and respect.

What is a Mental Health First Aid Officer?

A Mental Health First Aid Officer is an employee who has completed formal Mental Health Training and is equipped to handle a crisis. Their main role is to recognise signs of poor mental health in others and have the confidence to approach an employee who may not be coping well.

These officers use their skills to refer the individual to additional help when needed. In fact, nine out of ten Australians (87%) say they are more willing to offer help to someone suffering mental health issues if they have the right training.

Having a Mental Health First Aid Officer helps create a supportive environment in the workplace, making it safer and healthier for everyone.

Also we offer alot of First Aid training to help you keep your family safe when disaster strucks.

NOTE : We are not currently offering Mental Health First Aid.