Developing a model of help giving towards people with a mental health problem: A qualitative study of Mental Health First Aid participants

Abstract

Background: Members of the public frequently perform mental health first aid actions in daily life, and people with mental health problems often cite informal supports as motivators of professional treatment seeking. However, a thorough understanding of how, when and why these actions are undertaken is lacking. This research aimed to investigate the helping experiences of community members trained in Mental Health First Aid, understand the factors that might facilitate and deter helping behaviours, and develop a preliminary model that outlines the process of providing help to someone with a mental health problem. Methods: Community members who had received Mental Health First Aid training (n..