topic Mental Health First Aider in Welcome and orientation

Mental Health First Aider

VanessaH — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 08:25:31 GMT

Hi everyone,

I was made COVID redundant in May and have spent the last couple of months reflecting on my career, re-purposing my goals and re-setting my mindset. I recently gained my accreditation with Mental Health First Aid Australia, as a way of exploring new skills and knowledge in Health and Safety in the workplace.

I've been promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing (informally) by supporting myself, family, friends and colleagues through difficult times. Only now I have the formal resources and action plan to be the initial help to a person suffering a mental health problem.

I'm looking to be a volunteer in a peer support capacity with BeyondBlue, to gain front line experience and create engagement, meaningful conversation and joyful moments in people's lives.

I look forward to connecting with you and making a difference where I can

Mental Health First Aider

Soberlicious96 — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 09:05:11 GMT

Dear Vanessa,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and well done on getting your accreditation!

There is certainly ample opportunity to offer support and encouragement here on Beyond Blue, by simply responding to any post that catches your attention.

I myself have volunteered here for around 18 months now, and love it! I feel like I can help people in the kind of environment that I like; online and fairly anonymous. I know that when I am struggling emotionally, the last thing I want to do is have to look at anyone, or have anyone looking at me.

I also have had my own history of mental health issues; depression, anxiety and PTSD, all from a very young age. I had some very significant traumas happen to me, hence the whole mental health issues thing.

Anyway, welcome aboard! Good to have you here. xo

Mental Health First Aider

missep123 — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 09:34:23 GMT

Hi VanessaH!

Welcome to the forums! Well done on getting your accreditation in Mental Health First Aid! I think that's really amazing. I can really see your passion for helping people. As Soberlicious96 has said, the forums will give you a lot of great opportunities to support people.

It's really great to have you here!

Mental Health First Aider

sisu100 — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 23:51:02 GMT

Hi VanessaH,

Welcome to the forums! Amazing work in getting your accreditation in Mental Health First Aid! Your story is so inspiring, I love that you turned your redundancy around to become such a positive and meaningful opportunity.

I hope the forums gives you the experience you're after and I'm sure our community will really benefit from your knowledge and skills. Thank you so much for joining us and I look forward to seeing you around in the forums!