TY - JOUR
T1 - Mental Health First Aid experiences
T2 - a qualitative investigation into the emotional impact of Mental Health First Aid responsibilities and the significance of self-compassion
AU - Cook, Amy
AU - Keyte, Rebecca
AU - Sprawson, Isabella
AU - Matharu, Amrita
AU - Mantzios, Michail
PY - 2024/9/11
Y1 - 2024/9/11
N2 - Mental illness is increasingly imposing significant economic burdens, manifesting in various ways such as elevated business expenses due to absenteeism and staff turnover, as well as heightened pressure on healthcare services. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an effective tool to support people with ill mental health. This study explored the experiences of MHFA volunteers with the aim of enhancing understanding of how best to provide support for them. Twelve students who had completed the two-day MHFA training course participated in a semi-structured interview. Results indicated that being a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAer) was a responsibility highly valued by participants; however, data highlighted that anxiety associated with this role was of utmost significance. The study revealed the inherent compassion of MHFA volunteers; however, it also underscored that for many participants, this compassion came at the cost of neglecting self-compassion. This study suggests a need to enhance the support materials for MHFA volunteers, alongside a model of compassionate self-care for enhancing personal coping, health and wellbeing.
AB - Mental illness is increasingly imposing significant economic burdens, manifesting in various ways such as elevated business expenses due to absenteeism and staff turnover, as well as heightened pressure on healthcare services. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an effective tool to support people with ill mental health. This study explored the experiences of MHFA volunteers with the aim of enhancing understanding of how best to provide support for them. Twelve students who had completed the two-day MHFA training course participated in a semi-structured interview. Results indicated that being a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAer) was a responsibility highly valued by participants; however, data highlighted that anxiety associated with this role was of utmost significance. The study revealed the inherent compassion of MHFA volunteers; however, it also underscored that for many participants, this compassion came at the cost of neglecting self-compassion. This study suggests a need to enhance the support materials for MHFA volunteers, alongside a model of compassionate self-care for enhancing personal coping, health and wellbeing.
UR - https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/16093/
U2 - 10.1007/s43545-024-00962-1
DO - 10.1007/s43545-024-00962-1
M3 - Article
SN - 2662-9283
VL - 4
JO - SN Social Sciences
JF - SN Social Sciences
M1 - 171
ER -