Help to read signs of poor mental health

In the aftermath of the tragic death of Robin Williams, a course has been organised in Exeter to help people to undertake training to learn how to identify and support someone in emotional distress.

The actor’s suicide was a shock to many who thought him a successful, happy man, and the fact that even his close family had no inkling of his intentions serves to highlight how depression can so easily be hidden from view.

Andy Stapley of Mental Health First Aid South West, which is running the course, said: “Although we like to believe we would notice if a friend, colleague or family member was trying to cope with poor mental health, the chances are that, untrained, we might well miss the signs.

“Our courses are designed to empower people to be able to offer support to someone who is struggling.”

Mental health problems are on the increase, yet it is often only after the publicity generated by an incident involving a celebrity that we become aware of the numbers involved. Suicide is thought to be the biggest killer of men under 50 in Britain today, and the most recent statistics suggest that at least one in four people suffers from depression.

MHFA courses give practical skills around mental health to businesses, organisations and individuals. The next training sessions available in Exeter include a specific course for those who teach, work, live with or care for young people aged 11 – 18 that takes place on September 15 – 16, and a standard course for anyone aged over 16 who wants to effectively recognise and support someone in distress, on September 22 – 23.

Further details about courses and course content are available at www.mhfasouthwest.co.uk