Page 67 - SafeCert Approved First Aid for Mental Health at Work (Level 3) | Trainers Manual

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66

Administration

Risk Factors that can affect Mental Health
Teaching
• Family History - History of Mental Health Illness in the family
• Stressful Situations - Financial problems, Death or Divorce etc
• Brain Damage - Blow to head
• Childhood History - Abuse or neglect
• Alcohol or Drug Abuse - Excess
• Traumatic Experience - Military combat or assault

The 4 Aims of First Aid for Mental Health

1. Preserve life - Where a person could be a danger to themselves or others
2. Alleviate Suffering - By providing immediate comfort and support
3. Prevent from Worsening - Developing into a more serious problem Administration
4. Promote Recovery - Signposting and obtaining professional support

The Mental Health Continuum

Mental health does not simply mean the absence of a mental illness - it is possible to have good
mental wellbeing whilst living with a diagnosed mental illness. In contrast, someone who has no
diagnosable mental illness can still have a low level of mental wellbeing.

The World Health
Organisation defines
mental health as, a state
of well-being in which the
individual realises his or
her own abilities, can
cope with the normal Lesson Plans
stresses of life, can work
productively and fruitfully,
and is able to make a
contribution to his or her
community‘ (WHO 2001).
Mental Health is more
than merely the lack of
mental illness and
everyone has mental
health needs.

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