I am a Mental Health First Aider

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I am a Mentak Health First Aider logo
@MHFAEngland


Over the last week or so I have been listening to the podcast series “Exploring Mental Health in Coaching” by the Association for Coaching. I think in I am right in saying that pretty much every single episode mentioned Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Mental Health First Aid is essentially first aid for mental health concerns. Just like regular first aid equips you to handle physical emergencies, MHFA teaches you to recognise signs of mental health issues, provide initial support, and guide people towards professional help.

In June 2019, before I started my coach training and after I had gained my MSc in Mindfulness, I attended the Adult MHFA Two Day course and became a Mental Health First Aider. This equips me with the skills to provide first aid to people experiencing mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

As a Mental Health First Aider, I am able to offer support to those in need.

Even though I live in Scotland, the course was delivered by MHFA England which is a community interest company working to increase mental health awareness and skills across society.

Their range of courses are designed to empower people to support their own mental health and that of the people they connect with in life. By giving people the facts about mental health and the practical skills to support wellbeing, they work towards building healthier communities free from stigma.

Now, back to the present. It completely dawned on me that while I have this accreditation on my LinkedIn profile and my cv, I had not really made a song and dance about it, and I really should. So I have updated my website to make sure this is now a visible methodology for my way of working. This article also corrects this oversight too.

Being an Executive Coach with MHFA training is valuable for the following reasons:
  • Increased Awareness: You'll gain a deeper understanding of common mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress. This allows you to better recognize potential issues in your clients.
  • Early Intervention: Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. By spotting the warning signs, you can encourage your clients to seek help before problems escalate.
  • Supportive Coaching: MHFA equips you with communication skills to have open and empathetic conversations about mental health. This creates a safe space for your clients to confide in you.
  • Reduced Stigma: By openly discussing mental health, you can help to normalize it and reduce the stigma often associated with seeking help.
  • Improved Client Outcomes: When clients feel supported and understood, they're more likely to achieve their coaching goals.

Overall, MHFA training allows executive coaches to provide a more holistic and effective service to their clients and although I do not offer training in MHFA, I agree with the presenters of the podcasts that it is an invaluable part of the coaches’ toolkit.


If you are interested in learning more about how I can help you, please drop me a message on LinkedIn, or get in touch to find out more.
Location: Aberdeen, UK

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