The moment I picked up the phone, I knew something was wrong. My co-worker—who was also my friend—was in crisis. It was late. I was tired. I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. But I stayed on the call.
Not because I had all the answers, but because Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) had given me the tools to show up when it mattered most.
As time goes by, the strength and necessity of MHFA become so clear to me. I’ve used it more times than I can count on one hand, and I expect to use it again. The needs are growing, and I know what to look for. People know I am a safe space. And yet, I still find myself perplexed when people question its value. I have to remind myself that mental health is still stigmatized. For some, embracing Mental Health First Aid requires unlearning the stigma and fear we’ve been surrounded by in society.
Some have questioned whether MHFA comes with a psychological burden, and I’ll admit, it does. But honestly, doesn’t being human come with that weight? If I hadn’t stepped up for my friend that night, I would carry the far heavier burden of regret, knowing I could have done something. That weight would be far harder to bear than the discomfort of stepping into the unknown.
People have asked me, “What if you say the wrong thing? What if you make it worse?” That’s an extreme leap. By that logic, we should question every CPR-trained bystander who steps in during a cardiac event. Did they perform chest compressions at the perfect depth? Did they count correctly? Did they hesitate for a second too long? The reality is that trained individuals, even those who are not medical professionals, increase the likelihood of a better outcome. MHFA is no different. It’s not about replacing professionals—it’s about guiding people to the help they need. And MHFA ensures that happens with training led by qualified facilitators using evidence-based content.
The alternative—doing nothing and wondering what could have been—is an unbearable weight to carry.
Some argue that MHFA isn’t enough. But no one is saying it is. Just like CPR isn’t enough on its own—there are defibrillators, emergency rooms, and rehabilitation programs that continue the care. MHFA is part of a larger system. Organizations that take mental health seriously don’t stop at one training. They build psychological health and safety into their workplaces, reinforce skills with refreshers, and create a culture where seeking help isn’t seen as a weakness.
Let’s call this what it is—stigma, disguised as caution.
The fear of getting it wrong keeps people from even trying. But silence and inaction don’t protect anyone. If you witnessed a medical emergency, would you hesitate because you might not do it perfectly? Or would you do your best, knowing that showing up could make all the difference?
The real risk isn’t that someone with MHFA training might make a mistake. The real risk is a world where people are too afraid to help.
Mental Health First Aid is not about being perfect—it’s about being there.
I know what my answer is. Because I’ve been there. MHFA has given me the confidence to act, and that’s something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Every time I step up, I’m not just helping—I’m defying the stigma that keeps people silent, and that’s worth the discomfort. I choose to be part of the solution.
-A MHFA-er
