Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Listening, strengthening, and providing guidance.
What is MHFA?
In everyday work, there are phases when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or burdened—whether due to work pressure or personal challenges. In such moments, it can be a great relief to talk to someone.
Our MHFA first aiders are trained colleagues who will listen to you confidentially, offer guidance, and support you in finding the next step—whether that’s a clarifying conversation with a manager, contacting the company doctor, or reaching out to professional counseling services. Conversations are voluntary and, of course, remain confidential.
What’s behind MHFA
MHFA stands for Mental Health First Aid — first aid for mental health. Behind it are trained first aiders who provide support in stressful situations — confidentially, empathetically, and on equal footing. They are available to all colleagues — both from academic and administrative departments.
What exactly do MHFA first aiders do?
- Confidential conversation: MHFA first aiders listen—without judgment, with understanding and respect.
- Provide guidance: They help you better put your situation into perspective and point out possible options.
- Refer on: If needed, they support the next step—e.g., towards professional help.
Proven, evidence-based, and internationally established.
MHFA is an internationally recognized and evidence-based program for providing first aid for mental health problems. It was developed in Australia in 2000 and is now active in 29 countries.
The program is based on evidence-based methods and has been scientifically evaluated in several countries. Studies show that MHFA improves knowledge about mental health, makes it easier to support people affected, and helps reduce stigmatizing attitudes. In the United States, for example, it was included in the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).