2. Who Am I?
Brian Glass – Choose Life Training Co-ordinator for East Lothian
I am an accredited trainer for SMHFA, safeTALK and ASIST
I have a mental illness
I am in recovery
Helped today by my co-trainer in MHFA – Sue Cairns

3. What is Health?
‘ ... a state of (complete) physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’ (World Health Organization)

4. Mental Health
‘Mental health influences how we think and feel about ourselves and others, as well as how we interpret events. It affects our capacity to learn, to communicate and to form, sustain and end relationships. It also influences our ability to cope with change, transition and life events, such as having a baby, moving house, or experiencing bereavement.’ (Friedli 2004)

5. The Mental Health Continuum
Maximum Mental Wellbeing
Has a diagnosis of a serious mental health problem but copes with life well and has positive mental wellbeing
No diagnosable mental health problem and positive mental wellbeing
Minimum Mental Health Problems
Maximum Mental Health Problems
Has a diagnosis of a serious mental health problem and poor mental wellbeing
No diagnosable mental health problem but poor mental wellbeing
Minimum Mental Wellbeing

6. Mental Health and Difference
Mental health is made worse by:
Stigma
Poverty
Deprivation
Racism
Discrimination.

7. Strands of Inequality Age Disability Gender Race or ethnic background
Religious belief
Sexuality.

8. Protective Factors Staying active Being involved Having choice
Making decisions

9. Fight or Flight Physiology9

10. Fight or Flight Physiology10

11. Fight or Flight Triggered by perceived threat
Brain not able to separate one kind of threat from another
Stress of stigma or bullying
Relationship difficulties
Demanding Letter in RED
Money worries
Lorry approaching at speed. 11

12. Signs of Depression An unusually sad mood that does not go away
Loss of enjoyment or interest in things that were once enjoyable
Lack of energy and tiredness. Loss of confidence in self
Feeling guilty when not at fault
Wanting to die
Difficulty in concentrating
Moving more slowly than usual or being more agitated or unsettled than usual
Sleep problems – too much or too little
Appetite problems – too much or too little.

13. More Signs of Depression
Be more emotional or show almost no emotion
Think badly of themselves
Believe others think badly of them
Have trouble concentrating or be confused
Withdraw from others or constantly seek reassurance.

14. Other Areas Covered in MHFA
Attitudes to Mental Health/Illness
Recovery
Listening Skills
Alcohol and Drugs and their effect on Mental Illness
Suicide
Psychosis
Self-harm
Depression
Anxiety

15. For further information on SMHFA visit: www.smhfa.com
Learn More
Three hour suicide alertness skills training.
Learn how to recognise people with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide intervention resources.
Two day suicide intervention skills training.
Learn to be willing, ready and able to
intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
Skills-based training on risk management for suicide.
For further information visit the Choose Life website:
For further information on SMHFA visit:

16. Contact Details 0131 653 1086 Chooselife@changeschp.org.uk
My direct dial number. If I am not there, which is highly likely being part time and doing training, leave a message I will respond…sometime!