In the fast-paced realm of work, mental health often takes a backseat, but a transformative tool is emerging to change that narrative. Seva Reilly, equipped with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, has discovered a newfound ability to support both her colleagues and community.
Reilly, a recent graduate from the University of Central Florida with a degree in communication sciences and disorders, embarked on her MHFA journey after lending her support in roles with Aphasia Family UCF and the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Adult Achievement Center. This experience fueled her passion for helping others, leading her to pursue a master’s in social work from UCF.
Early in her career, Reilly recognized the intricate connection between workplace mental well-being and personal lives. Observing challenges faced by her colleagues, she understood the pivotal role of mental health support. Her MHFA training enabled her to foster open discussions about mental health at work, creating a support network for colleagues during challenging times.
“At the managerial level, MHFA empowers organizational leaders and supervisors to recognize when an employee is struggling and suggests strategies for supporting them within a professional relationship,” says Reilly. She emphasizes the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, reminding us that colleagues are more than just desk neighbors, and kindness in the workplace can build resilience among teams.
Reilly’s experience at Crisis Text Line showcased the profound impact of compassionate listening and providing a safe space for others to share their experiences. “I’ve seen the power of active listening. Holding nonjudgmental space for others to share their pain and experiences changed the lives of many texters I helped.”
For Reilly, MHFA is not merely a training course; it’s about cultivating a culture of support. MHFA training assists individuals and organizations in recognizing stress, burnout, and mental health issues, fostering a culture where coworkers become a vital support network.
As Reilly attests, MHFA is an empowerment journey, urging others to consider the training seriously. “Many people want to support those around them but are afraid of saying the wrong thing. The real danger, though, is in staying silent and doing nothing. Taking MHFA is a first step toward being a ray of hope, light, and support in someone else’s life when they go through a dark time.”
Consider joining the mission to have every 1 in 15 people nationwide certified in MHFA to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Employers interested in bringing MHFA to the workplace can explore the possibilities, and employees can use an editable email template to encourage their bosses to implement MHFA at Work.
