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 aged 16-85 years (17.5%) sought help from a health professional for their mental health within the period of 2020-21. Of the 3.4 million people who saw a health professional for their mental health, 57.4% had experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime and were showing signs of that disorder in the 12 months prior to the survey.
With a significant number of people experiencing anxiety, affective mood and/or substance disorders, creating a supportive environment to have a mental health first aid conversation is more important than ever.
When the opportunity to help someone arises, it can be tempting to jump straight into a conversation. The desire to alleviate a person’s stress can make it feel as though time is of the essence. However, taking time to prepare your approach to the person and the mental health conversation is time well spent.
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