Research Supporting MHFA for Individuals
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, peer-reviewed studies show that individuals trained in Mental Health First Aid:
- Display increased knowledge and awareness regarding the signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental health problems;
- Decrease the social distance between themselves and someone with a mental health problem;
- Increase their confidence to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis;
- Can identify professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental health problem; and,
- Show increased mental wellness themselves.
Mental Health First Aid Canada is included on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Best Practices Portal where it is classified as a best practice, meaning it has:
- High Impact – positive changes related to the desired goal(s)
- High Adaptability – successful adaptation and transferability to different settings
- High Quality of Evidence – excellent quality of research/evaluation methodology, confirming the intervention’s high impact and adaptability evidence
Research Supporting MHFA for Workplaces
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada:
- In a recent major Canadian study, 82% of responding organizations ranked mental health conditions in their top three causes of short term disability (72% for long-term).
- 30% of all short and long-term disability claims are due to mental health problems and illnesses.
- The average responding organization reported spending more than $10.5 million annually on absence claims.
- In 2011, lost productivity due to absenteeism and presenteeism (present but less than fully productive at work) due to mental health problems and illnesses was approximately $6 Billion.
Employers who set a strategic direction for improving mental health are rewarded with dramatic cost and effectiveness benefits, and enjoy significant and sustainable enhancements in:
- Productivity: Psychologically healthy employees work hard and efficiently.
- Cost Savings due to disability and absenteeism: There is a strong link between mental health, physical well-being and injury prevention.
- Operational success: Mentally healthy workplaces are characterized by higher levels of employee motivation, commitment, innovation and creativity, as well as fewer errors, better decision making and improved planning.
- Recruitment and retention: Top candidates today are looking for a workplace that supports their personal and professional growth.
- Conflict resolution: Better mental health among employees means fewer grievances and complaints and a stronger corporate reputation.
