This morning we learned about some ways that we can help if someone we know is suffering from a mental health issue. Our guest speaker Darren Peterson spoke about a First Aid Course he runs for people who know someone with a mental health issue. Darren is seen here with President Dianne who gave him a little memento of his visit to the Ascot Rotary Club's meeting.
Darren, speaking from his own personal experience, spoke about how people react differently to the stresses and strains that they face in everyday life. As a fly-in fly-out worker he realised that his own attempts at self medicating through increased consumption of alcohol was not an effective remedy for his own mental health issues. He turned to mindfulness, meditation, medication and seeking clinical support in his attempts to understand his predicament. He came across a mental health first aid course which he said has helped him in every aspect of his life.
He now runs a 2-day Mental Health First Aid course which is set up to provide people with the means to support those suffering from a mental health issue. Want to know more about the work he does? Check out this website: https://mhfa.com.au/instructor/326910
When you ask someone "RUOK?" and then worry about what to say when they say "No I'm not OK" - this course will provide some great responses so you never feel like you can't help. Thanks Darren for coming and giving us a brief introduction to this amazing programme.