DOHA: Mental health ‘first aid’ can be an important technique helping the public to identify and understand the illness, said an expert.
This first aid covers psychological and social support which can be provided not just by trained professionals but by anyone who may be in a position to offer support to someone in need — a teacher, community worker, police officer, paramedic or perhaps a counsellor employed by large firms to help support staff.
“Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is working tirelessly to increase awareness and knowledge of mental health and illness and supports initiatives that help to build a general understanding of mental health conditions and care options,” said Professor Peter Woodruff, Chair and Medical Director of HMC’s Mental Health Service.
“Similar to learning the basics of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to provide first aid to someone having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid can be an important technique helping the public to identify, understand and respond appropriately to signs of mental illness including knowing when to refer them to Mental Health Services. We urge anyone interested in this field to learn more about mental health conditions.”
“Psychological first aid is not a substitute for treatment and psychological problems and mental illnesses are very complex and not obvious to the untrained eye so people should not delay in seeking specialist care. The sooner someone is seen and treated the sooner they can recover. Delays to such treatment tend to reduce the overall outcome, so people should not delay seeking professional help,” added Prof Woodruff.
Mental Health ‘first aid’ for all is a core element of this year’s World Mental Health Day event theme.
Dr Suhaila Ghuloum, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at HMC’s Mental Health Service said that there is a growing realisation in healthcare sectors around the world that a better understanding of mental health among other staff outside the mental health field, results in better care for patients.
“The skills included in Mental Health First Aid training are valuable for all healthcare professionals who may be called upon to assess the mental health condition of a patient who sought help for some other reason. Mental health is integral to a person’s overall health.”
