Positive Mental Health and First Aid as a Civil Skill Eila Okkonen, Ph.D. Director of Education...

Positive Mental Health and

First Aid as a Civil Skill

Eila Okkonen, Ph.D.

Director of Education Centre

2009

August 09 Okkonen, Education Center 2

Finnish Association for Mental Health

• promotes and works towards good mental health• stimulates interaction between individuals and communities• activates to work voluntary for the welfare of communities• collects and disseminates information on mental health • proposes initiatives and publishes reports • trains professionals, volunteers and civil people• publishes books and journals• responds to social challenges in society• offers support and help• …


In Europe

Every year

• over 25 % of European adults suffer from mental health problems

• 58 000 suicides• 18,4 millions suffer from major depression• 18,5 millions suffer from specific phobias 18,5 million

(Green paper on Mental Health)


When Europeans are feeling bad (N=29 250)

• 53 % would turn to a family member• 50 % to a health professional• 22 % to a friend


Europeans (N=29 250)

• 63 % believe that people with mental health problems are unpredictable

• 37 % think that psychological problems constitute a danger to others

• 21 % believe that psychological or emotional health problems will never recover

• 14 % maintain that those who have psychological problems should blame themselves


The goals of the Mental Health First Aid

Participants

- enhance knowledge, resources and coping skills

- will be encouraged to raise issues and discuss- will be encouraged to help and support others

- learn to assess - whether their own resources suffice and- if professional help is needed


Mental health

• a positive resource in life skill

• a foundation for life


Mentally healthy person

•optimistic

•satisfied

•able to understand other people

•flexible

•adaptable


The promotion of health is cheaper than

to treat and care for illnessand

to dismantle piled-up problems


The Positive Mental Health First Aid 1

The participants

• will assess and strengthen their own resources and coping skills

• will be encouraged to take care of their own and support close ones’ mental well-being

• improve their own knowledge on positive mental health, and mental health disorders

• improve their skills to cope with difficulties and to discuss difficult issues


Themes of MHFA 1

• personal resources and coping skills • loneliness • loss and sorrow• crises of life• self destructive behaviour• sexuality• occupational well-being• mental health disorder


The Mental Health First Aid 2Participant will

• know the more common mental health disorders and their symptoms

• be aware of alcohol and drug addiction and the adverse effects of drug use

• know how to apply the mental health first aid steps

• know how to offer help when necessary

• know how to guide the person to therapy

• learn to identify their own limits to help

- Australian origin


The mental health first aid steps

• Assess Risk of Suicide and Harm

• Listen Non Judgementally

• Give Reasurance and Information

• Encourage Person to Get Appopriate Professional Help

• Encourage Self Help Strategies


MHFA 1

- Instructer course

Mental Health First Aid ® as a Civil Skill - cources

MTEA –further education

MHFA

- tailor maid courses

MHFA 1

- Basic training

MHFA 2

- Basic training

MHFA 2

- Instructer course


Mental Health First Aid - 2007

Country Since Instructers Participants

Australia 2000 606 55.000

Hong Kong 2003 22 2.000

Scotland 2003 201 6.900

Canada 2004 59 700

Finland 2006 53 1.000

Singapore 2006 19 470

Ireland 2007 15 240

Great Britan 2007 27 60

Total 1002 66.370


Every one

needs mental health and well-being skills,

because

a major part of mental health work is carried out

in daily life, at home

at work

at school.

Contact address

[email protected]

Positive Mental Health and First Aid as a Civil Skill Eila Okkonen, Ph.D. Director of Education...

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