Mental Health First Aid: Why We’re Advocating for a New Standard of Care
For a long time, society has treated the mind and the body as if they were two separate entities. We have systems for physical "First Aid" in every school, office, and gym, but we often leave emotional and psychological distress in the shadows.
At The Child and Family Wellness Center, we are on a mission to change that narrative. We believe that mental health is health—it is biological, it is physiological, and it is a fundamental right for every child and family. To understand where we are going, we have to look at the movement that started it all.
A Brief History of a Global Movement
The idea that everyday people should be equipped to handle emotional distress isn’t new, but it gained global momentum in 2000. It started in Canberra, Australia, with Betty Kitchener and Professor Anthony Jorm. They realized a simple but profound truth: while most people know how to help someone who is choking or injured, very few know how to help someone experiencing a panic attack or a traumatic event.
They developed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to bridge that gap. Since then, the movement has reached over 25 countries and millions of people. It paved the way for Psychological First Aid (PFA)—an evidence-informed approach built on the pillars of safety, calm, and hope.
Why Advocacy Matters: The "Mental Health is Health" Connection
According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, integrating mental health into our daily view of physical health is essential for long-term recovery and resilience. When a child experiences high levels of stress, it isn't "just in their head." It affects their nervous system, their heart rate, and their ability to grow.
By advocating for the concepts of Psychological First Aid, we are pushing for a world where:
Stigma is replaced by support: Emotional distress is treated with the same compassion as a broken bone.
Communities are empowered: Parents, teachers, and neighbors feel confident offering a "psychological bandage" in a moment of crisis.
Early intervention is the norm: We don't wait for a crisis to become a catastrophe before we step in.
Our Role: We Are Here for Your Family
While TCFWC does not specifically administer First Aid certificate programs, we are fierce advocates for these tools being in the hands of every citizen. We believe that a supported community is a healthy community.
However, we also know that some journeys require more than a "first aid" response. When the initial crisis is over, or when your family is navigating the complex waters of growth, trauma, or development, TCFWC is here.
We serve as the professional bridge between that first moment of support and long-term, sustainable wellness. Our center is a space where families can find the expert care needed to move beyond "getting through the day" and into a life of thriving.
Let’s Change the Conversation
The history of mental health advocacy shows us that change happens when people decide that "health" includes the whole person.
We invite you to join us in this advocacy. Start by viewing your family’s emotional needs through the same lens as their physical needs. Normalize the conversation. And remember, whether you are looking for resources or professional guidance, The Child and Family Wellness Center is standing with you.
Sources & Further Reading
To learn more about the history of these movements and the science behind the "health is health" philosophy, explore the resources below:
Mental Health First Aid International. History of Mental Health First Aid. Retrieved from https://mhfainternational.org/history-of-mental-health-first-aid/
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Mental health is physical health: Understanding the mind-body connection. [PMC5314921]. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5314921/
World Health Organization (WHO). Psychological First Aid: Guide for Field Workers. (An international standard for providing immediate non-professional support).
American Psychological Association (APA). The link between physical and mental health. ---
