How I learnt Mental Health First Aid

Posted Friday 2 November 2012

English

Recently, we arranged to hold a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course in my department before the start of term.

Like lots of places, we have very busy and sometimes stressful periods throughout the year – for staff and students – and we wanted to have more people with an understanding of mental health so we can support our students, each other, and the fantastic student welfare officer that we have.

The two days were very intensive, with a lot to take in, and covering some very difficult areas.  Despite this, there was always plenty of time for us to discuss subjects amongst ourselves, to talk about our experiences, and to suggest strategies and approaches. This helped to prevent us becoming overwhelmed, though we were all still worn out at the end of the day! 

Our MHFA instructor was great and encouraged each of us to make sure we looked after ourselves and did something to help us unwind once the training was over.

For me, the course has given me a far better understanding of mental health, of knowing where help and support can be found, and a greater confidence in my ability to ask someone if they’re ok – if they need help.  I think it’s taught me to listen more attentively too.  One other outcome that I didn’t expect is that I now have nine more colleagues that I know I can get support from should I need it.

Welsh

Mae Rebecca o Aberystwyth yn ysgrifennu am ei phrofiad diweddar o gwblhau cwrs Cymorth Cyntaf Iechyd Meddwl:

Gwnaethom drefnu i gynnal cwrs Cymorth Cyntaf Iechyd Meddwl yn fy adran cyn dechrau'r tymor; fel llawer o lefydd, rydym yn cael cyfnodau prysur iawn drwy'r flwyddyn, sy'n peri straen weithiau - i staff ac i fyfyrwyr - ac roeddem yn awyddus i gael mwy o bobl sy'n deall iechyd meddwl er mwyn i ni allu cefnogi ein myfyrwyr, ein gilydd a'r swyddog lles myfyrwyr gwych sydd gennym. Mae'r rheini ohonom a gwblhaodd y cwrs yn gweithio mewn swyddi amrywiol (athrawon, swyddogion gweinyddol, staff cynorthwyol), ac yn gweithio gyda myfyrwyr yn rheolaidd.

Roedd y ddau ddiwrnod yn ddwys dros ben, gyda llawer o wybodaeth i'w chofio, ac yn cwmpasu rhai meysydd anodd iawn.  Serch hynny, roedd digon o amser i ni drafod pynciau ymysg ein gilydd, siarad am ein profiadau ac awgrymu strategaethau a dulliau gweithredu. Roedd hyn yn help i beidio â'n gorlethu, ond roeddem i gyd wedi blino ar ddiwedd y dydd. Roedd ein hyfforddwr Cymorth Cyntaf Iechyd Meddwl yn wych, a chawsom ein hannog i ofalu amdanom ein hunain ac i wneud rhywbeth i'n helpu i ymlacio.

Yn fy marn i, mae'r cwrs wedi rhoi dealltwriaeth llawer gwell i mi o iechyd meddwl, a ble i gael help a chymorth, ac mae wedi rhoi mwy o hyder i mi ofyn i rywun a yw'n iawn ac a oes angen help arno. Rwy'n credu ei fod wedi fy nysgu i wrando'n fwy astud hefyd. Rhywbeth arall nad oeddwn yn ei ddisgwyl yw bod gennyf bellach naw cydweithiwr ychwanegol y gallaf gael cymorth ganddynt os bydd ei angen arnaf.

Rebecca

Mental health training can make a real difference to people's lives, and not just in the workplace. Visit the website to book a place on one of our Mental Health First Aid courses.

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