ESSA are proudly presenting a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course for ESSA Exercise & Sports Science Professionals. 

The Standard Mental Health First Aid course teaches participants how to provide initial support to another adult who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis, until professional help is received, or the crisis resolves. Course participants learn about the signs and symptoms of common mental health problems in adults, how to recognise and respond to an emerging or worsening mental health problem and the treatments and supports available.

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants learn how to approach someone they are concerned about and initiate a conversation about those concerns. Participants also learn how to offer initial support and information and how to encourage the person to seek professional help or other supports. Adults who complete the course become Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide someone with mental health information and support when it matters most.

This Standard Mental Health First Aid course is delivered in Blended Face-to-Face and Blended Online formats. You will need to complete eLearning materials online prior to attending the online course on the scheduled day. 

Upon completion of this course participants will be able to: 

Recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in adults 

Use an evidence-based action plan to initiate a mental health first aid conversation 

Know the barriers to help-seeking and how to overcome these 

Assess for a range of crisis situations and provide initial support 

Understand the prevalence and impact of mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments and supports available 

Apply self-care practices as a Mental Health First Aider 

This course covers common and disabling mental health problems and crisis situations. Participants learn how to apply mental health first aid to adults across a range of situations, including:

Depression

Anxiety

Psychosis

Substance use problems

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Panic attacks

Non-suicidal self-injury

Traumatic events

This 12-hour course will be delivered in:

Blended Face-to-Face: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by a 5-hour face-to-face session.

Blended Online: Self-paced eLearning (5-7 hours), followed by 1 x 5-hour virtual workshop session. 
All sessions are led by an MHFA trained and Licensed Instructor.