Mental Health Training: The Key to a Better Life and Workplace

Mental health training raises awareness of mental health problems to help people before a concern becomes a crisis. Greater mental stability brings us to a place where we can enjoy life more because we can see, think, and feel clearly. In the workplace, training courses help develop an environment of empathy and trust that promotes wellbeing.

‍

What Are the five Signs of Mental Health Issues?

Mental health concerns can often start off small. However, without proper attention, they can develop into more serious mental health issues. [NS1]  We should have a preventative approach to mental health and ensure our wellbeing is at the forefront of our minds instead of being reactive only when we start to feel unwell. Early intervention is key to avoid a major concern turning into crisis.

Here are 5 early warning signs of mental ill health.

Persistent Paranoia, Worry, Or Anxiety

All of us worry sometimes. We feel anxious before big events or when we’re in unknown situations. Sometimes we may even wonder about the state of the world and feel the odds are stacked against us. Usually, once we are out of a situation that causes us some anxiety such as an exam or job interview our adrenaline passes on its own. Persistent paranoia, worry, and anxiety are different because they begin to leak out into everyday conversations and change our normal way of living. Increasing our mental health awareness helps us spot when these common feelings begin to grow into something less normal and more serious.

Long-lasting Sadness Or Irritability

Like worry and anxiety, many of us feel sad and all of us have moments of irritability. Yet these are normally tied to specific events in our lives. We feel sad because of something tragic that happened. We feel irritated because of something specific. When sadness persists for weeks or months, this can be a sign of a growing mental health problem. Irritability should pass when the irritating factor passes. Persistent sadness and irritability are a sign of declining mental health.

Extreme Changes in Moods

Mood changes are the same as our other feelings. They happen and they are normal. We have good days, bad days, and long days. Learning to live with difficult days is part of building our resilience. Extreme changes in moods are different. We shouldn’t swing from feeling giddy in one moment to overwhelming feelings of sadness the next too often. Lashing out at others over a trivial misunderstanding can also be a sign of extreme mood change.

Social Withdrawal

Each person is different in how much social contact they prefer. Some introverts get their energy from being alone with a book, hobby, or watching a sunset. Other extroverts feel energised by the crowd at a concert, the buzz in a meeting, or the hype about a new trend. When we notice ourselves or someone else withdrawing from social contact they were previously comfortable with, we should pay attention. This could be a sign that something is triggering those feelings of loneliness and isolation and we should be open to looking for what may have caused this.

Dramatic Changes in Eating or Sleeping Patterns

Much the same as the other four signs, our eating, working, and sleeping patterns are unique. They change and develop during our lives. If they didn’t, all of us would stay in bed until noon like teenagers! When we’ve established some patterns and suddenly change them, we should investigate a little. Are we avoiding something? Are we feeling stressed about something? Are we turning to food or alcohol for emotional support? Positive change that moves us towards a goal is healthy. Getting enough sleep, water and food is essential for our wellbeing so it's important to recognise change any change in behaviour or habits early on.

‍

Mental Health Awareness: Ten Stats Everyone Should Know

Talking about mental health feels taboo for many people. We feel our mental health is private and should stay that way. However, when we don’t talk, mental health concerns can become crises that can significantly impact our day-to-day life. We all have mental health all of the time, we always have and we always will. It's completely normal to experience mental health issues and nothing to be ashamed of.

‍

How do you learn about Mental Health?

Mental health awareness grows through life experience, reflection, and specific training. Taking the time to develop your individual skills can prepare you for difficult moments in your own life and make you a valued asset in the workplace.

Life experience and reflection

We learn throughout our lives. Growing older doesn’t make us wiser, though. Reflection and intentional growth help us develop. There are several techniques you can use to develop more mental health awareness in your own life.

• Write a health journal. Jot down some things happening in life. A few bullet points each day or each week will help you understand your own progress.
• Talk it out. Speak to a friend, parent, or support person about how you’re feeling. Talking is a powerful tool for developing self-support skills.
• Seek out good input. Read a book, a blog, or listen to a podcast about any mental health topic you’re interested in or concerned about.

These simple self-support skills will help you develop an understanding of your own mental health and respond when you take a turn for the worse.

Mental Health Courses

A mental health course is a massive boost to your knowledge, skills, and confidence because you will experience specific training from qualified practitioners. These professional people can help you understand the root causes of mental ill-health, the different ways poor mental health can present itself, and how to respond to yourself and others in a mental health crisis moment.

‍

Which Points are Covered in Mental Health Training Courses?

Mental health training courses differ in their focus, length, and goals. Below are some common topics; a number of which delegates learn about in the mental health training courses offered by Talkout.

‍

Depression: The most common illness

Depression isn’t just ‘feeling a bit low.’ It can be a debilitating illness that comes back again and again. Mental health courses help you understand what causes this common issue, how to help, and when to refer someone (even yourself) to a specialist.

Anxiety - When worry becomes too much

Anxiety becomes a problem when the feelings become too frequent or overpowering. Panic attacks can be scary developments. Our professionals will give you insights into anxiety, how to reduce it, and what to do when its impact becomes too much.

Stress - How to handle life's difficult moments

People experience stress due to work, relationships, and events they cannot control. It’s part of life. Too much stress can threaten our safety and we may need support to help us through difficult times. Mental health training gives you the skills to manage stress successfully

Eating Disorders: Six percent of Adults Live with an Eating Disorder

Anorexia is not the most common eating disorder. Half of adults with an eating disorder suffer from Binge Eating Disorder or an Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder. Our training courses help you spot the symptoms and signpost to further support.

Resources for Mental Health Improvement

Knowledge, training, information, learning, development, and advice are all lifelong pursuits. Our teams will highlight relevant news, show you how to find useful workshops, and direct you to ongoing support groups so you can continue gaining mental health tools.

Research into Mental Health

Research practice into mental health helps understand the suffering of people with a mental health issue and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Insights from research professionals will be shown to you during training to help you gain insight, too.

Triggers of Common Mental Health Problems

Our staff are trained in the psychology of triggers. During mental health first aid training, you will see the settings, activities, feelings, and range of events that can trigger a mental health crisis for different people.

Better Understanding of Mental Health through Mindfulness

The ability to carry out a self-assessment and evaluate our own mental health is rare. During our mindfulness workshop, you’ll receive tips on how to strengthen your mindfulness skills with questions designed to create a healthy interest in your own wellbeing.

Counselling as Treatment for Mental Ill Health

Counselling by professionals with the correct training, qualifications, and credentials is an important part of mental health treatment. We have courses available that can give you a taste of what this counselling looks like so you understand its value.

How age affects Mental Health

Young adults have the highest rates of mental illness of any age group. Apart from dementia, mental illness strikes the young more often than more experienced adults. Education about the effects of mental illness in different age groups helps you understand those around you.

Practical safety for health practitioners

A common concern is how to be safe around mental health patients. They’re crazy, right? Well, not exactly. Most mental health problems don’t cause danger to anyone other than the person experiencing a mental health issue. Our courses will give you safety tips and develop your understanding and empathy.

Breaking the stigma around Mental Health

The history of mental health is full of terrible treatment of individuals. Fear, distrust, and disgust are common reactions to mental illness. Education about mental health will help you break down the stigma around the problems that almost all of us face during our lives.

‍

What Is Mental Health Awareness Training?

Mental health awareness training gives delegates information and practice so they understand the symptoms, terms, causes and treatments of common problems. This training is suitable for any school, charity, business, and organisation. A mental health awareness course is not the same as MHFA. Awareness focuses more on the types of mental illness people face, the support they need, and the skills that will work to develop wellbeing and safety.

‍

What Does a Mental Health First Aid Course Involve?

Mental health first aid (MHFA) courses focus on how to respond in a moment of crisis. Face-to-face training shows delegates how to support someone who is experiencing a mental health issue build safety into their environment, and develop the skills to help at any moment.

Suicide and self-harm are big problems and should be treated carefully and compassionately. Yet other mental health problems come with their own crisis moments.

What about the single mother who just received strong criticism from her boss? Her stress and anxiety levels are going to be extremely high. Sympathetic intervention at that moment could help her cope with the stress and make good choices about how to move forward.

Consider the plumber running his own business. He seems to be doing well, but his worries are hidden. One bad customer review, an injury during his footie night with the lads, or a slow work week all have the potential to bring financial disaster. How is he coping and what could be done to help him?

During mental health first aid workshops, delegates use reading, reflection, conversation, role-playing, and guided debates to grow in their understanding of emotional health and how to respond at the most difficult moments.

How do mental health courses help?

Our courses cover the main points of mental health, provide response training, and discuss how to signpost to other types of treatment and support available. Safety, knowledge, awareness, and compassion are all key subjects during our courses.

Learn more about Mental Health Training Courses

Empathetic Training Improves Mental Health and Well-Being for Individuals

A face-to-face or online mental health training course is a brilliant way to improve your own mental health and wellbeing. Understanding the landscape of your own thoughts and feelings will help your navigation through the ups and downs of life.

Our course leaders have training and skills to help you in an empathetic way. This means they will be available to listen, interact, and support you. Training with Talkout isn’t just listening to a talking head recite rote training from a manual. Our instructors have professional knowledge based on years of experience. Their teaching sessions, practical workshops, and development points will bring you to a deeper level of insight into your own life.

An Organised Mental Health Training Course Boosts Productivity and Lowers Costs for Organisations

Our claim is simple: investing in services designed to promote mental health in the workplace will increase your team’s knowledge of mental health, decrease absenteeism, and promote feelings of teamwork amongst your colleagues.

‍

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what one of our recent learners said about our course:

Mark Shrimpton

Group HR Director, Martin James Network

“Since the introduction of MHFA, nearly a year ago, we have noticed our culture develop into a culture of empathy and sharing. Colleagues feel very comfortable expressing themselves, knowing they are in a safe space to do so. Absenteeism has decreased and productivity has risen. We have happy colleagues whose confidence has grown. Throughout the company, we have people now much more willing to come forward, talk and seek support at their time of need.”

‍

Mental Health Courses by Talkout

We offer three primary training courses. Each one is designed for a specific audience and specific needs. Some of these courses count towards continuing personal development (CPD) for most employees.

Mental Health Awareness CPD

Our half-day course covers broad topics and points connected to awareness of the issues people face. Here are some of the points covered in our course:

Key aimes and learning objectives

• To build awareness and understanding of mental health
• To explore the impact of mental health at work
• To learn more about mental health conditions
• To recognise what can cause health issues developing
• To learn how to promote positive awareness in the workplace
• To explore the benefits and importance of self-care

This course is ideal for everyone. The content will be suitable for charity, school, or business settings and requires no previous training.

Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Training Courses

Mental Health Training for Line Managers (CPD)

Over two half-day sessions, this course will teach professional line managers and leaders the techniques they need to support employees, staff, and volunteers.

Key aimes and learning objectives

• To build awareness and understanding of mental stability in the workplace.
• To understand the impact that mental balance has both on the individual and the organisation.
• To recognise and discuss the main types of mental issues in the workplace.
• To understand the Line Managers’ influence on mental health in the workplace and how they can help people thrive at work with a mental stability issue.
• To learn how to overcome barriers in creating a mentally healthy environment for teams to thrive.
• To develop skills and increase knowledge that will support conversations around mental stability.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

During four sessions lasting a half-day each, learners will discuss mental health first aid. The discussions and practical workshops will equip each student with skills and knowledge to be useful in moments of crisis. On completion of this course, individuals will be qualified as Mental Health First Aiders which is licenced and accredited by MHFA England.

Key aimes and learning objectives

• To develop an in-depth understanding of mental wellbeing and the factors that can affect it.
• To learn how to spot the triggers and signs of common issues.
• To step in, reassure, and support a person in distress.
• To develop interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening.
• To learn how to help someone start their recovery to good health by signposting to the right type of support.
• To learn the importance of self-care.

Learn more about Mental Health First Aid Training Courses

Why choose Talkout?

1. You can complete our courses online for maximum flexibility
2. All our courses are MHFA England certified and CPD accredited
3. Our online booking system makes the setup process simple
4. Professional instructors who are passionate about their topics.
5. Courses focused on relevant content and useful outcomes

If you want to find out more about our Mental Health training take a look at our Talkout Guides page which details more about the training and services we provide.

Customer Testimonials

Amie Bentley

Business Development Advisor - Manchester Metropolitan University

"Talkout have given us access to so many resources and support networks for employee wellbeing. Leanne and Natalie are very open and honest about their experiences and this makes the team even more approachable for anyone with mental health issues. I look forward to working with them even more in the future. Keep up the amazing work and thank you"

Zak Buraik

Human Resources Manager - ABM Industries

“I had the pleasure of attending the MHFA mental health accredited first aider course, the course was delivered over 4 sessions spread over a two-week duration, I attended these sessions in February 2021. The material and topics provided during the sessions were extremely informative and valuable, it altered my perception of mental health and will modify the behaviours I adopt when dealing with mental health related cases in the future. I would recommend this course for employees, however, it is most beneficial and essential for employees that manage people. I am extremely grateful to my organisation for prioritising mental health wellbeing and for making the investment to provide this much needed training. When I first opted to join the course, I expected the material to be quite dry, dull and perhaps even daunting at times, I could not have been more wrong. Delivery of the topics were engaging, insightful and nothing short of exemplary. Leanne the trainer is very knowledgeable, approachable and in all honestly is probably the best trainer I have ever met, Leanne used real life examples of her own experience which was my favourite part of the training and this really brought the material that was being delivered to life. I hope to have further training delivered by Leanne in the future, she is a true inspiration and delight”

Michelle Baxter

General Manager - ABM Industries

“When ABM UK agreed to invest in MHFA I was delighted to be chosen as a delegate

The MHFA course content was most fitting and appropriate for the subject matter.  The supporting manual will now become my bible. Our instructor displayed passion for the subject in every sentence making the content easier to digest. Although by the nature of the content it was at times difficult, her calm and empathetic manner ensured full engagement and feeling 100% supported. In my opinion, MHFA training and awareness is more important then ever before and I can’t recommend the course enough”

Victoria Fletcher

Human Resources Business Partner - Zuto

Collaborating with Talkout enabled a professional, supportive and much needed new approach to mental health in the workplace. Our Zutonites wellbeing is invaluable, so to team up with an organisation who are as passionate as we are and thoroughly understood our needs meant their tailored training was exceptionally well received. We’re looking forward to the next stages in our training as mental health understanding evolves and we’d absolutely recommend Talkout to others.”

‍

Mental Health FAQ's

Here are some of the common questions asked about Mental Health

‍

When is mental health awareness month?

Mental Health Awareness Month 2021 will run through the duration of May in the US.

Mental Health Awareness week will run from 10th May 2021 – 16th May 2021 in the UK and is usually on or around the third week of May each year. The theme for Mental Health Awareness this year is Nature.

‍

How to improve mental health?

Its important to look after our mental health and wellbeing all of the time, not just when we start to notice early symptoms or warning signs of mental ill health. 5 ways to improve your mental health are;

Talk openly and regularly about your feelings to someone you trust.

Keep active and get your body moving, there are many benefits of exercising for our mental health.

Practice mindfulness and take time to be in the present moment each day.

Eat a healthy balanced diet with enough nutritious food to boost mood and energy levels.

Ask for help when you need it and don’t let yourself become overwhelmed.

‍

What is mental ill health?

Mental ill-health or mental illness can be characterised a mental health disorder which an individual has developed causing them to become unwell. Mental health disorders can impact you physically and socially as well as your mood, behaviour and thought process. Mental health disorders are diagnosed by a health professional and can include a wide range of disorders such as Anxiety, Depression and Eating Disorders. Mental health disorders are treatable but can sometimes significantly disrupt someone’s day to day life.

‍

How to look after your mental health?

There are many ways to look after your mental health using a variety of evidence-based strategies which improve our wellbeing. This includes maintaining good physical health through exercise and a healthy balanced diet. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation and gratitude are also great ways to improve your mental health. Ensure you always make time just for you, so you have time to unwind and reflect. Stress can be a big factor in mental health issues developing so its important to manage your stress levels and make time for you. Talking regularly about your mental health and staying connected to others will also help contribute to mental wellness.

‍

What is good mental health?

Having good mental health isn’t just the absence of mental illness.

World Health Organisation describes Mental Health as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community" https://www.who.int/

Having good mental health is our ability to thrive within our community and be truly authentic.

‍

Why is mental health important?

There is no health without mental health. Our mental health impacts all aspects of our lives including our physical health as well as our social and emotional wellbeing. Its impacts how we think, feel, behave and connect with others as well as our ability to cope with stress and adversity. Having good mental health can help up become more resilient and live a fulfilling life.

‍

What is the most common mental health problem?

Research suggests that anxiety & depression are the most common mental health disorders in Britain, with 7.8% of people meeting criteria for diagnosis. It is estimated that 4-10% of people in England will experience depression in their lifetime.

Data taken by http://mentalhealth.org/

‍

What is the mental health act?

The Mental Health Act (1983) is a legislation that covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health disorder. It helps protect people detained under the Mental Health Act who need urgent treatment for a mental health disorder that may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. Being detained (also known as sectioned) under the Mental Health Act is when an individual is required to stay in hospital for assessment or treatment.

‍

Have more questions? Our team would be happy to talk to you about how we can help to improve Mental Health and Wellbeing in your orgnisation. Feel free to get in touch

‍