Mental Health First Aid as a Part of a Comprehensive Employee Well-Being Strategy

In the US Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being (Fall 2022), five essential components, grounded in science and human needs, shape the approach: Protection from Harm, Connection & Community, Work-Life Harmony, Mattering at Work, and Opportunity for Growth.¹ The comprehensive report not only builds the business case for workplace mental health but also provides detailed examples and case studies for each component.

Within the “Protection from Harm” section, worksites are urged to “normalize and support mental health,” aiming to reduce stigma by validating challenges, prioritizing mental health and well-being, and offering both support and prevention services. Leaders at all levels must foster a culture of inclusivity and normalize mental health care.

For those unfamiliar with workplace mental health literature, it’s crucial to recognize that everyone has mental health, just as everyone has physical health. Impaired mental health can have significant workplace effects, from safety concerns to performance impairments. This responsibility shouldn’t rest solely on individuals; just as we support someone with a cancer diagnosis, those facing mental health challenges need professional help and workplace support.

In 2021, Mental Health America found that nearly 80% of surveyed workers reported that workplace stress affected their relationships, yet only 38% felt comfortable using their organization’s mental health services.²

Addressing mental health challenges early is crucial to prevent crises, especially when added stressors like heavy workloads or limited autonomy are present. Organizational leaders must prioritize mental health, providing support and access to mental health services.

Key structural components, such as paid leave, Employee Assistance Programs, and a safe working environment, are essential. Moreover, investing in proactive educational training to identify early signs of mental health challenges is crucial. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) emerges as the recommended training, having gained global recognition since its inception in Australia in 2000.

MHFA is analogous to First Aid/CPR training, offers initial help for those experiencing mental health challenges. MHFA is the primary training highlighted in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 2022 Advisory: Expanding Implementation of Mental Health Awareness Training in the Workplace. ³

MHFA equips individuals to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges in adults, promoting increased knowledge, reduced stigma, and enhanced empathy.

Peer reviewed studies⁴ on MHFA show that individuals trained in the program:

• Increase their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health and substance use challenges.
• Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Show reduced stigma and increased empathy toward individuals with mental health challenges.
• Increase their confidence and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
• Use the skills and information they learn in MHFA to manage their own mental wellbeing.

Through a partnership, Covenant Workplace Solutions is now offering Mental Health First Aid training. Learn more at Mental Health Workshops | Covenant Workplace Solutions.

Citations:

¹ U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/workplace-well-being

² Mental Health America. (2022). Mind the Workplace survey. Retrieved from https://www.mhanational.org/mind-workplace

3 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Advisory: Expanding Implementation of Mental Health Awareness Training in the Workplace. Publication ID

PEP22-06-04-004. Retrieved from Expanding Implementation of Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) in the Workplace (samhsa.gov).

⁴ National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/about/research/.