Breaking the Stigma: How Mental Health First Aiders are Changing the Conversation on Mental Health

Welcome to our new LinkedIn Article about Mental Health First Aiders, where we explore the importance of having individuals trained in mental health first aid within workplaces and communities.

In recent years, mental health has become an increasingly important topic, and it is vital that we have individuals who are equipped to provide support to those who may be experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues. This is where Mental Health First Aiders come in.

Mental Health First Aiders are individuals who have completed specialized training in providing initial support to those experiencing mental health issues or emotional distress. They act as a point of contact and can provide non-judgmental support to those in need, while also signposting them to appropriate help if required. While they are not therapists or psychiatrists, they are advocates for mental health and serve as a model for interacting with colleagues and members of the community in a supportive and empathetic way.

In this blog, we will discuss the role of Mental Health First Aiders in promoting mental well-being and providing support to those in need.

We will also explore the importance of mental health first aid training in workplaces and communities, as well as the benefits of having Mental Health First Aiders on hand.

So join us as we delve into the world of Mental Health First Aiders and explore the positive impact they can have on the mental health of those around us.

Akamai Mental Health Aiders Stories

Welcome Anderson Leite , a Human Resources Manager at Akamai and a Mental Health First Aider. 

He started to work at Akamai in 2020 as a Human Resources manager for Brazil. He has more than 30 years of working in Human Resources, always looking for ways to help employees develop and grow. At Akamai, he enjoys diversity the most. In his free time, he likes to hang out with family or travel to meet new places and people.

Tell us why you decided to become an MHFA? 

“I like to help others. Nowadays, mainly after the pandemic, many people need some help related to mental health, and I think I can contribute to helping them.”

What kind of support does our Akamites expect from a Metal Health Aider?

"Employees can see the MHFA as a kind of support to help them to overcome a difficult moment. Someone to talk to when they need to without any judgment." 

Can our Akamites remain anonymous?

 "Sure, they can be as anonymous as possible. We only need to enroll others in the process when the employee offers a risk to themself or others." 

How long do the Team members receive support from you? This position is new at Akamai, but beyond this, I have always been available to hear the employees trying to help them and sometimes suggesting they look for professional help. I always do a follow-up to check if the employee is better or if they continue needing some help.”

Say “hello” to Julie, Solution Architect at Akamai. We also asked Julie some questions about being a fantastic support to our Akamites and being a Mental Health First Aider. Read her story! 

Why did you decide to become an MHFA?

“Honestly, at first, I thought that if someone felt the need to talk, they would go to anyone they felt comfortable to go talk to. It doesn't need to be someone with an MHFA hat. Then I looked at the training and what it could bring. It gives a new view and helps your notice some signs. Also, I'm pretty sure that everyooone has already been in a situation where they wouldn't have the right words, wouldn't know how to react, or what to answer. I have been in this situation myself, and I wanted a toolbox to be able to support in the best way I could. I also thought having a woman trained as MHFA in Paris's office would be great.”

What kind of support can our employees expect from a Metal Health Aider?

“On my side, you'll get an available and understanding listening person and no judgment. If you need more support, I'll guide you toward an appropriate contact or resources. Akamai actually offers a helpful mental health benefit administered by Lyra, where employees receive a number of free counseling or coaching sessions with a professional.”

How long do the Team members receive support from you?

“Everything is in the measure of how we can help. The only limit is my capability. It's not a contract that we sign with a deadline. We're here to help. We do as much as we can, as long as we can.”

 Can our Akamites remain anonymous?

“Of course, they will be.”

Do you have a way to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of our conversations?

“Apart from trust, I don't have a proper way. All I can say is that for any MHFA, confidentiality is obviously one of the main pillars. But a trusting relationship must exist or be developed. So like I said, go to the person you feel the most comfortable with and know that they won't break your trust.”

A big kudos to Kari, a Human Resources Business Partner at Akamai, for being our Mental Health Aider for the EMEA region in England. 

Are you curious about her story: Why did she become the support of our Akamites? Read more! 

Why did you decide to become an MHFA?

“I became a mental health first aider because I believe in creating a supportive work environment where mental health is prioritized. I want to make a difference and be there for my colleagues when they need someone to talk to.”

What kind of support can our employees expect from a Metal Health Aider?

“Akamites can expect non-judgmental listening, empathy, and guidance from a mental health first aider. I am here to provide emotional support, signposting to resources, and help navigate mental health challenges.”

How long do the Team members receive support from you?

“Team members can receive support from me for as long as needed. Whether it's a one-time conversation or ongoing check-ins, I'm here to offer continuous support and ensure their well-being.”

 Can our Akamites remain anonymous?

"Yes, while it's important for me to know the employee's name to provide appropriate support and ensure their safety, they can still remain anonymous to others within the organization. Confidentiality is maintained, and their personal information will be handled with the utmost care."

Do you have a way to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of our conversations?

“Absolutely. Their privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance. Our conversations are held in a private and secure setting to ensure that their personal information and discussions remain strictly confidential.”

Leonela Kelly is a Marketing Program Specialist at Akamai. She is also one of our amazing Mental Health First Aiders, based in Mexico. 

Get to know her role as MHFA more!

Why did you decide to become an MHFA?

“I thought it was an excellent opportunity to support my teammates when they needed this help. Mental health is fundamental to everything, to enjoy life, work, family, and ourselves, and sometimes it is set aside, not cared for, and is not given the importance it has, but it is a basic for life.”

What kind of support can our employees expect from a Metal Health Aider?

“They will be assisted by having the chance to talk to someone about how they are feeling or what they are struggling with. We will listen to them, assess and assist if they are in a crisis, recommend and give them some guidance, and be with them until they get appropriate professional help or the situation is resolved. It is an initial help to those experiencing a mental problem or crisis.”

How long do the Team members receive support from you?

“Any time it is needed, we are here to help and assist. There are no schedules, and our help is given until appropriate professional service is received or until the crisis (if any) is resolved.”

 Can our Akamites remain anonymous?

"For sure, they will be anonymous; this is a help for them, to help them feel better, and not to be pointed out. Mental health is as important and confidential as any other health issue."

Do you have a way to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of our conversations?

“Of course, we had training, we agreed, and we know how to handle confidentiality, besides we are part of a group around the world that has this commitment, too, and is part of the role.”

Give a warm welcome to Marieke Hilbers , a Senior Channel Marketing Manager at Akamai. 

She is based in Amsterdam and a one of our amazing Mental Health Support Aiders. 

Why did you decide to become an MHFA?

“I have seen some examples of close friends going through mental health issues. I wanted to reach out and help them and give first support, but I did not know how to, what would work, what not, how severe their issue was, and/or whether it is a real crisis. When the MHFA training was offered at Akamai, I felt I must do this, also giving something back to my employer, who has shown me a great employer during the pandemic. The training gave me an excellent grounding in the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions. It aimed to create an understanding of how to offer some essential support to a colleague who may be at a crisis point.”

What kind of support can our employees expect from a Mental Health First Aider? 

“As a Mental Health First Aider, we are a point of contact for someone experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. In our 1:1 conversations, we apply the five steps/acronym of 'ALGEE' as a tool for providing mental health first aid: Approach, assess, and assist with any crisis - assess the risk of suicide or harm and look for signs of trauma and high anxiety. We listen to people non-judgmentally and give reassurance, support, and information. At last, we encourage you to seek appropriate professional help. We are no professionals but can provide initial support and guide to proper assistance if required. ”

How long do the Team members receive support from you? 

“Well, I guess as long as they  likes and depends on the type of issues. We are always here to listen and guide you. At a certain point, though, employees need to seek professional help. One example of that help might be through Akamai’s mental health benefit provided by experts from Lyra: Akamai offers this resource to professionally help deal with the stress of daily life. The program is free, eligible for family members, easy to use, and completely confidential.”

Can our Akamites remain anonymous? 

“Yes, all remains completely anonymous, from initial conversation to seeking help.”

Meet Rich Hamson , a Senior Director of Solutions Engineering, amazing Mental Health First Aider for the EMEA region, based in Scotland. 

Read more, and get to know his story!

Why did you decide to become an MHFA?

“Our mental health is incredibly important in determining the quality of our lives, and the last few years have made mental health challenges more common, likely touching everyone at some point.  Being able to provide mental health first aid to anyone that needs it is an important role and can directly have a positive impact on people.  I take this role very seriously, and I am honored to be a Mental Health First Aider and be available to anyone that needs it.”

What kind of support can our employees expect from a Mental Health First Aider? 

“Like more traditional first aid, we are there to support people in the first instance.  We are here to listen to and support anyone with mental health challenges.  We are trained to discuss options with  individuals if they need longer term, professional support.”

How long do the Team members receive support from you? 

“There is no time limit on the support we provide, although we are typically there to help colleagues in the first instance.  That doesn’t mean you cannot use the team regularly as needed, but we can also discuss options for longer-term care.”

Can our Akamites remain anonymous? 

“Absolutely. While we continually work hard to remove any stigma associated with mental health, this topic is always very personal and private to individuals.  Everything said to a Mental Health First Aider is said in complete confidence with no judgment.”

Do you have a way to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of our conversations?

“Everyone who volunteers to be a Mental Health First Aider does so for a good reason. In most cases, we have first-hand experience of how difficult it can be to have these conversations, so we know how essential privacy and confidentiality is. All Mental Health First Aiders are there to listen, and the individual never has to talk about anything they are uncomfortable with.”

Mental Health First Aiders are an essential part of any workplace or community. Their training and support can make a real difference in promoting positive mental well-being and helping those who may be experiencing emotional distress or mental health issues. By modeling supportive and empathetic interactions, Mental Health First Aiders can help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and promote a more open and supportive culture.

We hope that this blog has shed some light on the importance of Mental Health First Aiders and the role they can play in promoting mental health. We encourage anyone interested in mental health and well-being to consider taking a MHFA course or explore if it is a good option to implement within their workplace.

Let's work together to support each other's mental health and create a more mentally healthy society.