Wellness

Delivering my first Level 2 qualification in First Aid for Mental Health today, a course very close to my heart.
It was a blast. There's always a worry that the timings won't work, that role plays and exercises that work in my head won't for others, but it went swimmingly. Obviously it helps to have an engaged and attentive group, but still, it went better than expected and the feedback was really good.

I've been asked by people what first aid for mental health is, by the end of the day the group defined it themselves:
"it's the first immédiate help given to someone at risk and in crisis"
Just like first aid - at its worst (or best) you'll save a life....or you might just ease someone's pain until more help arrives.
And yet, serious accidents are few and far between, whilst every year one in four adults will experience a mental health issue. One in ten children will be diagnosed, and a staggering 95% of young offenders will report mental health issues.
Mind blowing.

Philosophy Friday
Today's offering is inspired by our discussion around talking therapies. Proven to be as effective for many as medication. If you know someone who is down or struggling then take the time to chat to them, really listen, let them speak. It might just be the start of a longer conversation that changes their path.

"never give up on someone with a mental illness. When "l" is replaced by "we", illness becomes wellness.

Shannon L. Adler.