Lily Saeidi: Why I decided to become a Mental Health First Aider

Today is World Mental Health Day, but for us, mental health matters every day—24/7, 365 days a year.

We provide ongoing training and support to our staff, with 77 trained Mental Health First Aiders across various teams, including our household waste recycling centres.

In this blog, Lily Saeidi, Campaign Officer, shares her experience of becoming a Mental Health First Aider.

Last year I completed the training to become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) within Staffordshire County Council.

The role of a MHFAider® is to be there to support colleagues that may be struggling with poor mental health by listening, and signposting to professional or urgent help if needed. As a MHFAider®, it’s our job to notice and approach someone who could be experiencing a mental health issue. We also take on the role of being a champion for mental health and to keep working towards removing the stigma that comes with talking about it openly.

At the council, we have a wellbeing offer called ‘Mindkind’ with lots of resources for colleagues that are struggling or want to improve their mental health. I had known about MHFAider®’s when I joined the council, but I only considered becoming one after having a chat with my manager about what skills I would like to develop at work.

The topic of mental health has always been close to my heart. After losing my dad 10 years ago, I’ve experienced first-hand what it feels like to struggle with poor mental health, and how scary it can be without the right support. It’s from this lived experience that has given me the passion to be an advocate for mental health, even if that is just being a kind, listening ear for someone.

My role in the Communications Team means I get to speak to many colleagues across the organisation and I am visible to a lot of people - so I thought the role of a MHFAider® would suit me well alongside my enthusiasm to help other people.  

The course took place over 2 full days and covered an extensive amount of material. I learnt about how to look after your own mental health through self-care and how important that is before aiding someone else. The course covered some difficult topics such as suicide, eating disorders, psychosis, self-harm, and substance abuse – although talking about these things might make some people uncomfortable, for me, it highlighted how important it is not to shy away from talking about these topics - it could literally save someone’s life.

The main takeaway for me was how to approach someone who may be struggling. MHFAider®’s are not counsellors, nor can we diagnose – but, we can listen non-judgmentally, reassure and respond to a crisis.  

It’s vital that organisations are offering mental health support to their staff. 1 in 4 people experience poor mental health each year, but unfortunately there is still some stigma around talking about it, which is why it’s so important to have workplaces that provide safe spaces for colleagues to express how they’re feeling. You would tell someone if you broke your ankle and weren’t fit to work, right? The same ethos should apply to your mental health.

The course has given me confidence and skills that I will take with me outside of work. I’m thankful I’ve had this opportunity and if I manage to help even one person, I’ll be over the moon!