Training on Mental Health First Aid for the Workplace

Module 1: Foundations of Workplace Mental Health First Aid

• Introduction to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) principles and practices
• The role of workplace mental health first responders
• Understanding psychological wellbeing in professional environments
• Mental health stigma, misconceptions, and cultural influences
• Creating psychologically safe and supportive workplaces
• Case Study: Responding to employee mental health concerns in corporate and NGO settings

Module 2: Recognizing Mental Health Risks and Early Warning Signs

• Identifying signs of stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, and substance misuse
• Workplace risk factors affecting employee mental wellbeing
• Recognizing behavioral, emotional, and performance-related indicators
• Understanding crisis situations, trauma reactions, and emotional distress
• Approaching sensitive conversations with professionalism and empathy
• Practical Exercise: Identifying and assessing workplace mental health scenarios

Module 3: Providing Immediate Mental Health Support

• Core communication skills for mental health first responders
• Active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental support techniques
• Supporting colleagues experiencing emotional distress or crisis
• Maintaining boundaries, confidentiality, and professional conduct
• Dos and don’ts when responding to workplace mental health situations
• Role Play: Conducting supportive mental health conversations in the workplace

Module 4: Psychological First Aid and Crisis Response in the Workplace

• Principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA) in organizational settings
• The ABC approach: Approach, Befriend, and Connect
• Managing panic attacks, acute stress reactions, and emotional crises
• Responding to trauma, grief, workplace violence, and critical incidents
• Coordinating emergency response and professional mental health referrals
• Simulation Exercise: Responding to a workplace mental health emergency

Module 5: Referral Systems, Recovery Support, and Workplace Integration

• Early intervention and escalation procedures for mental health concerns
• Building referral pathways with EAPs, counselors, NGOs, and healthcare providers
• Integrating MHFA into occupational health, safety, and wellbeing programs
• Promoting long-term recovery, resilience, and employee reintegration
• Monitoring workplace wellbeing and sustaining mental health support initiatives
• Case Study: Integrating Mental Health First Aid into workplace wellbeing strategies
• Final Project: Developing a workplace Mental Health First Aid response and referral framework