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.
Supporting someone with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a serious long-term mental illness that can significantly impact all aspects of a person’s life. It is characterised by episodes of depression (severe low mood) and mania (extremely high and euphoric mood) affecting a person’s emotions, thinking...
Words matter – compassionate language for mental health
We have hopefully moved beyond the old adage of ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’. We know that words can harm. They can be emotionally hurtful, and they can spread misinformation. While most of us know not to participate in hate...
Women and mental health across the lifespan
Our Australian population is diverse and addressing mental health issues from a gendered perspective is tricky. No two women are the same, and their experiences with mental health may be determined by a mix of factors such as, genetics, biology, age, gender,...
What to do when a mental health conversation doesn’t go to plan
Holding a mental health conversation is a bit like learning to ride a bicycle. At first, you may need extra training to give you the skills you need. You may wobble just a little at your first approach. Over time, confidence and experience can build. But even with...
Unspoken clues someone might benefit from a mental health first aid conversation
The signs and symptoms that point to someone developing or experiencing a mental health problem are not always overt. There are usually subtle signs, clues or behavioural changes that can allude to a need for support, connection or someone to talk to. The amount of...
Considerations when providing mental health first aid to others
Data released by the ABS suggest that there has never been a better time to either learn or refresh your mental health first aid conversation skills. The release of the National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing 2021 [1]) indicates that 3.4 million Australians...
How the self-employed can benefit from mental health training
Self-employment is becoming an increasingly popular option for Australian workers. According to a Global Data study, 2.2 million Australians were self-employed in 2021[1] – a 7.2% increase in self-employment from 2010. The reasons for choosing self-employment are...
Healing Country – culturally capable wellbeing support and the power of community
I am a proud Barkindji woman originally from the far west of New South Wales along the Darling River and have strong connections in South Australia. I come at the topic of mental health both from my experience as an Aboriginal woman, and as the Program Manager for...
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...
