Mental health first aid training for members of the public

The prevalence of mental disorders is so high that members of the public will frequently have contact with someone experiencing a disorder. How they respond to that person may affect help-seeking and outcome of the disorder. However, community surveys show that many members of the public lack knowledge and skills in this area. To overcome this lack, a mental health first aid training course has been developed in Australia and widely disseminated. It has also been adapted for different national and cultural groups. A number of trials have been carried out to evaluate the course, showing improvements in recognition of mental disorders, concordance with professionals about treatments, confidence in providing first aid, actual help provided to others, and reduction in stigmatizing attitudes. The course is continually being extended and improved. Work is currently underway to develop a version for supporters of adolescents, and to develop best practice standards for first aid, both for developing disorders and in crisis situations.