More Than a Class: Carrying Mental Health First Aid With Me

It has been just under two weeks since I taught my last Mental Health First Aid class, and after a very full August, I’m finally giving myself permission to slow down.

September has become an unexpected opportunity to lean into something I teach others about all the time: self-care matters, too.

But something I’ve noticed during this little pause is that Mental Health First Aid doesn’t stay in the classroom.

I find myself using the skills and mindset I first learned when I took Mental Health First Aid myself in 2023. I recognize when I need to pause. I think more intentionally about how I can support someone. I remember that I don’t need to have all the answers to be present, listen, and help connect someone to appropriate support.

And while I’m resting, I’m still enjoying the work behind the scenes—creating content, sharing upcoming classes, and learning more about the growing body of research behind Mental Health First Aid. More than a decade of research has helped build an evidence base showing improvements in mental-health literacy, knowledge, confidence, and intentions to help among people who complete MHFA training. (Mental Health First Aid)

Then there’s my little koala.

My sister recently told me she liked the koala I keep in my car. 🐨

What she didn’t know is that my koala is actually a little reminder of ALGEE—the action plan at the heart of Mental Health First Aid.

I keep it there as a sweet reminder that I am trained to help support others, that I get the opportunity to equip other people to become First Aiders, and that I should remember to use those same skills in my own life.

That’s what I love about this work.

It isn’t simply something I teach for a day and leave behind when everyone goes home.

It has become something I carry with me.

And I’m grateful for every opportunity to help more people carry it, too.

If you’ve been thinking about Mental Health First Aid for yourself, your team, or your organization, I’d love to connect. Sometimes the first step toward creating a community of support is simply learning what to do when someone needs it.