The term mental health first aid online is used to describe the assistance normally given to a person who is developing mental health issues, going through a mental health challenge, or is already facing a crisis of mental health. And as the topic indicates, such help has to be given online.
You can continue giving first aid pending when the individual can access appropriate professional treatment, or the crisis is over.
Aims And Objectives
There are four major objectives of mental health first aid online, which are:
- Safety Sense – feeling safe is at the centre of health and overall well-being; therefore, it is the first thing to consider when trying to offer mental health first aid online.
- Listening without judging – listening without being judgmental is also important.
- Creating connections – showing that you really care as a caregiver is another major objective.
- Reassurance plus information – the last major objective is giving reassurance to the patient and informing him or her to see a professional who will ensure his/her complete wellness.
What Is Mental Illness?
Mental illness, otherwise known as mental health disorders, is a term used to describe varieties of mental illnesses. Such illnesses are disorders that affect your mood, ways of thinking, and manner of behaviour.
Causes of Mental Illness
Some of the causes of mental illness are childhood abuse, substance abuse, and social disadvantage, inclusive of trauma, poverty or debt, and neglect. Other causes are social isolation and loneliness, inclusive of discrimination plus stigma, which includes racism.
Signs of Mental Illness
Before you offer mental health first aid online to someone, there must be symptoms to prove that such a person really needs the first aid. Symptoms of mental illness are: constant fatigue –living with mental health disorder can be exhausting.
Other signs are physical pain, violence, and perfectionism. Lack of emotion can be a symptom of mental health disorder. A feeling of sadness or down can be a sign. A confused way of thinking or inability to concentrate is another symptom. Another sign is the feeling of excessive fear and worry. Feeling guilty extremely is another sign. The final one is the extreme mood swings between highs and lows.
Examples of Mental Illness
The 10 top mental illnesses are listed as follows. Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and bipolar affective disorders, inclusive of depression, schizophrenia, and dissociative disorders. Others are paranoia, psychosis, and PTSD, inclusive of OCD.
Preventive Measures
With proper preventive measures, you can stay sound mentally and avoid ever requiring mental health first aid online. Such preventive methods are: speaking out about your feelings rather than bottling them up. It is important for you to be having good night’s sleep. Take good care of yourself by eating well. Always stay active. Practice mindfulness as a method of being fully engaged. Be present in the moments. Always keep in touch with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
The term mental health first aid online is used to describe the assistance normally given to a person who is developing mental issues, going through a mental health challenge, or is already facing a crisis of mental health. And as the topic indicates, such helps have to be given online.
One of the numerous objectives of such aid is to make the patient feel safe. Causes of mental illness range from childhood abuse to substance abuse and stigmatization. There are so many symptoms of mental health disorders which include avoidance, the feeling of sadness, and excessive fear and worry. The top 10 mental disorders have been discussed. Preventive measures have also been looked at.