It’s not about stepping in and fixing problems. As TBL’s Adam Higgins discovered recently, mental health first aid (MHFA) is about noticing, listening, and pointing people in the right direction.

I’ve recently completed my Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace Certificate. Honestly, it’s been one of the most eye-opening courses I’ve done.

Mental health is something we all deal with in one way or another, especially at work. This course helped me realise that supporting mental health isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about being more aware, more understanding, and more willing to start conversations when they matter.

One thing that really stuck with me is that mental health isn’t black and white. It changes. Some days we cope well, other days we struggle – and that’s completely normal. The course helped me understand mental health as a spectrum, rather than something that only matters when someone is in crisis. Stress, pressure, burnout, and life outside of work all play a role, and anyone can be affected at any time.

Before starting the course, I thought mental health first aid meant stepping in and fixing problems. What I learned instead is that it’s more about noticing changes, listening properly, and pointing people in the right direction. It was reassuring to learn that you don’t have to be an expert or a counsellor. Sometimes just checking in, being patient, and knowing where to signpost someone for support can make a real difference.

Being an advocate at work

The advocacy part of the qualification really made me think about how workplaces affect our mental health – from workload and communication to how comfortable people feel talking about how they’re really doing.

I now feel more confident speaking up for:

• Open conversations about mental health
• Reducing stigma and judgement
• Fair and supportive workplace practices
• Creating a kinder, healthier work environment

Even small changes can help make work feel like a safer place to be.

Skills I’ll be using going forward

Since finishing the course, I feel better prepared to:

• Notice early signs that someone might be struggling
• Start supportive conversations without feeling awkward
• Listen without trying to “fix” everything
• Encourage people to get the right help when they need it
• Be more aware of how workplace culture impacts wellbeing

These are skills that are useful far beyond the workplace, too.

Why mental health first aid & advocacy are good for businesses too

This course hasn’t turned me into a mental health expert but it has made me a more understanding, approachable, and supportive person.

The MHFA course is a great option for anyone who wants to better support others, and help reduce stigma. For any business, having MHFA-trained people on the team can help contribute to a healthier, more open and more supportive workplace culture.

I’m really glad I did it – and I’d genuinely recommend it to anyone who wants to understand how they can make a difference, even in a small way.