Articles
Read our articles to learn practical tips for promoting positive mental health practices and supporting someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem.
Becoming a Mental Health First Aid Champion Community
The challenges of the past two years have been collectively overwhelming. Everyone has been touched in some way by the global pandemic and social turmoil within the world. At a local level, many communities have dealt with issues such as bushfires, floods, and...
Action plan – first steps to offering support
Exploring the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan 'A' is for Approach, Assess and Assist - the first steps to offering support Taking the first steps to provide support to someone experiencing mental health problems is easier if you can follow a memorable, flexible...
Cultural Context Matters: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid
“Our courses are designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Instructors to draw from their own unique and instrumental local cultural knowledge. This sets our training apart, as it is enriched with culturally informed and relatable content" Karen...
Is your workplace accidentally ableist?
In recognition of International Persons with Disability Day on December 3rd, Mental Health First Aid® Australia invites you to consider the impact of ableism on your workforce. According to the People with disability in Australia 2022 produced by The Australian...
How to prepare for a mentally healthy new year
A new year can bring with it a sense of optimism and enthusiasm about twelve fresh months and the opportunities that may bring. A time of great promise and motivation, a new year can also bring both internal and external pressure. Our desire to get things right, to...
Loneliness and isolation over the holidays
As the end of another year approaches and workplaces and schools start to wind down, and family and friends gather to celebrate, it’s important to remember that perhaps not everyone is looking forward to the holiday season. While the festive season can bring...
Understanding Panic Attacks
If you have ever experienced or witnessed a panic attack, then you will know that they can include a combination of mental and physical symptoms that arise quickly and intensely. Whether you have or haven’t experienced this, you may be able to recognise a panic...
The 6 most common mental health myths
Despite considered efforts across the mental health sector and communities, stigma, fear, and misconceptions about mental health problems persist. This can prevent a person from getting the help they need. Have you stopped to think about the way you view mental...
Teen MHFA – Empowering young people
The start of another school year is always a time for significant change and new situations. For young people, this can be an exciting time for reconnecting with friends and exploring new social, academic, and extra-curricular pursuits. But with change and the...
Talking about Depression
We all feel down and experience changes in our moods from time to time, but depression is complex and serious. People with depression may experience negative thoughts and feelings intensely and for longer periods of time. In Australia, depression is not uncommon,...
Looking out for those who are not coping
Depression is a common yet serious form of mental illness. The current challenges and periods of prolonged stress associated with the pandemic are predicted to lead to an increased incidence of depression and other common mental illnesses. Even people who usually...
How to talk about suicide – your words matter
Suicide is a tragic and largely preventable cause of death. Sadly, it is still a leading cause of death in Australia across many age groups, impacting people from all walks of life. Despite this, it can be helpful to keep in mind that most people who have suicidal...
