Mental Health First Aid Day: August 19 -Make Every Conversation Matter!

Fifteen years ago, I made a personal choice that changed my life. I decided to not only become a Mental Health First Aider but to teach the course myself. Why? Because I wanted to empower people to have those crucial, life-saving conversations.

In my work within the mental health system and as a community leader, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging and complex it is to get help. The stigma around mental health is so strong that people often don't seek support until they are in a crisis or needing hospitalisation. 

I’ve always wanted to be the bridge—to break down that stigma and create a clear path to help as early as possible. We know the quicker people get help the quicker is the recovery. 

For communities of culture, this mission feels deeply personal. I’ve often been the one to get the call when a family is in crisis, holding space for them, and guiding them through the system. When a life is lost to mental illness, I'm there to help families and communities rebuild and heal.

It's been challenging, especially we know mental illness has historically been used against certain groups, creating a deep mistrust in services. When the very language to describe what you're feeling doesn't exist, it's a huge hurdle. This has meant I had to reframe my teaching, using language that feels more authentic and relatable to my teachings.

I also infuse my own lived experience with mental ill health into every course, making it more than just a training—it's an experience.

I run these courses for workplaces and community groups, and while every session takes so much out of me, I won't stop. I'll keep going until the stigma is gone, until our workplaces are truly safe, and until everyone has quick, safe access to the support they need.

To everyone who has taken one of my courses over the past 15 years, thank you. And to those who have paid it forward, allowing me to offer free spots to people in the community so that cost is never a barrier—you have my deepest gratitude.

As a leader in Queensland's mental health system, I see our daily efforts to close every possible gap. We know that there is no health without mental health. We can only intervene early if we all have the language to talk about what's going on inside. And that language can only be built when we make every conversation matter. I am doing my part so can you!

A big cheers to all the Mental Health First Aiders around the world. Thank you for caring and showing up.

Join the movement. Become a Mental Health First Aider today and be the difference in someone's life. 

Talk to us about your training needs and we can support you.

There many resources here to help have a save conversation that matter ! 

Our Day | Mental Health First Aid Australia https://lnkd.in/gH84wTK6

Talk to us about your training needs or join us at our next MHFA Course!

 #MakeEveryConversationMatter #MHFADay Mental Health First Aid International #wellbeingwarriors #mywhy