By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO)
The term ‘first aider’ is typically associated with someone who is trained to provide initial assistance to someone who is injured or sick. However, in recent years the term has also been used to describe people who are trained to provide initial support to someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
When people hear the term ‘first aider’ they often assume that the person has a high level of medical training. They may also assume that the person is able to diagnose and treat medical conditions. However, this is not always the case.
Mental health first aid training teaches people how to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, how to assess someone’s risk of self harm or suicide, and how to provide initial support. However, mental health first aiders are not mental health professionals. They are not trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
There are a number of reasons why it is problematic for people to use the term ‘first aider’ after completing mental health first aid training. Firstly, it can lead to unrealistic expectations from the public. People may expect mental health first aiders to be able to do things that they are not trained to do, such as diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
Secondly, it can lead to stigma. People may associate the term ‘first aider’ with people who are sick or injured. This can lead to people feeling ashamed or embarrassed to seek help from a mental health first aider.
Thirdly, it can be confusing. The term ‘first aider’ is already used to describe people who are trained to provide initial assistance to someone who is injured or sick. Using the same term to describe people who are trained to provide initial support to someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis can be confusing for the public.
For these reasons, it is important to use the correct terminology when referring to people who have completed mental health first aid training. The term ‘mental health first aider’ is more accurate and less confusing. It also helps to avoid the stigma associated with the term ‘first aider’.
Here are some of the assumptions that people often make about mental health first aiders, but that are wrong:
- Mental health first aiders are mental health professionals. Mental health first aiders are not mental health professionals. They are trained to provide initial support to someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis, but they are not trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
- Mental health first aiders can cure mental health problems. Mental health first aiders cannot cure mental health problems. However, they can provide initial support and help the person to access professional help.
- Mental health first aiders are always available. Mental health first aiders are volunteers. They may not always be available to help.
If you are concerned about your own mental health or the mental health of someone you know, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional.
The following organisations can help:
Harmless and The Tomorrow Project
Shout
Samaritans
Young Minds
Papyrus
Hub of Hope
Staying Safe
Self Injury Support
If you need urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and select Option 2.
If you are in an emergency and need immediate help, please contact the emergency services on 999.