06.11.2023 Christin Müller 10430

What is the "Mental health first aid" training course? 

In our "Mental health first aid" multiplier training course, we train employees to become competent first aiders for psychological emergencies. We train participants to recognize mental stress and understand the development of mental illnesses in themselves and their colleagues. 

Why is "mental health first aid" important?

Studies show an increase in mental illness in the German population. According to the German Society for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Neurology (DGPPN), almost 17.8 million (27.8 percent) of adults in Germany are affected by a mental illness. The three most common are anxiety disorders, depression and substance use disorders.

Many of these people are in the middle of their professional lives.For many of those affected, mental illness leads to massive restrictions in their private or professional lives. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, around ten percent of days of absence from work are due to mental illness.



Although there are many reasons for this, prevention work, education and destigmatization are important. Employers also have a role to play here. They should create a working environment for their employees that promotes their mental well-being and provides social support if they fall ill.

Many sufferers are afraid to talk about their mental illness. After all, it doesn't fit into today's society, in which performance counts. In turn, relatives and work colleagues often don't know how to deal with a mental illness or how to help the person with the illness - and often don't dare to do so for fear of doing something wrong.

What is the "Mental health first aid" training course?

The "Mental health first aid" multiplier training course helps employees and managers to become more aware of their colleagues' mental illnesses.

In the training course, we train your employees to become competent first aiders for psychological emergencies - for themselves and for those around them. 

We train participants to recognize mental stress and understand the development of mental illnesses. With an emergency kit of first aid measures, practical guidelines and various methods and tips, first aiders can assess their own mental health and that of those affected, assist them and support them.

Topics of the "Mental health first aid" training course

The training covers seven key topics. All content is taught in person and can also be deepened independently using e-learning modules. With interactive tasks, case studies and extensive working material, these modules ensure the transition into practice. Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive a certificate from us.

1. conversation

You will learn the dos and don'ts of conducting a conversation in the event of psychological stress, learn to understand your own role and experience the five core competencies of psychological first aid. You will also talk about your possibilities and limitations as a first aider and how to deal with those affected. 

2. depression

In this module, you will learn how to recognize depressive behaviour and provide psychological first aid.

3. suicidal tendencies

People with severe mental illness have a 10 to 50 times higher risk of suicide (Medical Tribune, 2022). In this section, you will gain knowledge about risk factors and learn where the limits of your responsibility lie.

4. anxiety disorders

What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder? In this module, you will gain an insight into the physical, psychological and social symptoms of different anxiety disorders, also based on experience reports. 

5. dependencies

When does indulgence become a habit and harmful use or even addiction? What is co-dependency? In this module, you will learn all about the bio-psychosocial factors of addiction and how you can approach people about their conspicuous consumption behavior. 

6. burnout

What is burnout and what factors contribute to it? This module will enable you to provide psychological first aid for burnout - also with the help of practical examples. You will learn to recognize when someone is at risk of burnout or is already experiencing it. 

7. self-care and mental hygiene

This module is about how to approach and end difficult conversations. You will learn how to remain mindful of yourself in your role as a first aider, relieve yourself and reduce stress.

Advantages for you as an employer

• Improved employee health
• Promotion of a positive health culture in the company
• Contribution to team resilience
• Reduction of medical costs and prolonged sick leave or secondary illnesses through preventive work
• Destigmatization of mental disorders
• Support for proactive action and respectful cooperation
• Raising awareness of the issue of mental illness in the workplace context
• Improvement of the corporate image

Type and scope of the "Mental health first aid" training course

Training "compact" and "quick&easy"

The training is available as "quick&easy" online training for private individuals and as a "compact" offer for company employees, which can take place in-house or online.

Scope of training

The scope of the training is 12 hours of live training (in two or three sessions) plus four hours of e-learning including a material package with practical work aids.

Target group

The training is aimed at all people in a company who want to become multipliers for mental health in their company as well as in their private environment, or individuals - depending on which course form is chosen.

Speakers

Specialist consultants/trainers from the health management division of pme Familienservice.

More information and registration