“We spend roughly a third of our adult lives working. Mental health first aid at work can be the lynchpin in creating a mentally healthy workplace — one in which individuals feel valued, supported and respected. Many workplaces have a defibrillator and have trained their employees in how to use it. They know how to summon emergency help for a physical ailment. But you are much more likely to see someone in the throes of a mental health or addiction crisis than you are to see someone having a heart attack.”
Mental health is relevant to all of us
Find out more about the mental health first aid movement, how it has affected people’s lives and the steps you can take to help.
What is mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Good mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
If you experience mental health problems throughout your life, your thoughts, mood and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health concerns, including:
Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
Family history of mental health concerns
Mental health concerns are common, but help is available. With support, those with mental health concerns often recover completely.
Mental health first aid has three distinct steps
Click the buttons to learn more about these steps and how you can help someone who is struggling.