Marissa Nankivell is one of more than 40 Mental Health First Aiders within Endeavour Foundation, who are trained and ready to support you if you know you are not quite feeling your normal self.
As Marissa points out, that’s the time to reach out to someone – when you’re just not feeling right, and this feeling becomes more constant.
“We all have good and bad days, but it’s when that ‘not quite right’ feeling becomes more constant that you need to act.”
Marissa undertook a two-day course earlier this year to become an Accredited Mental Health First Aider.
“It helps me in my role just about every day and has given me extra tools in my toolbox to help both my staff and the people we support.
“My senses are heightened I suppose you could say, and I can recognise the signs when people need that extra support.
“It’s important to understand that people experience mental health struggles differently. There’s not a checklist of standard symptoms. An anxiety or panic attack looks different for everyone.
As Marissa points out, her role certainly does not take the place of health professionals but does provide support and direction to get people extra help if needed.
For instance, did you know that when you call 000 you can request the mental health mobile unit? This is a special unit that enables treatment outside the hospital.
“With everything going on around us, the uncertainty, the sadness of not being able to see loved ones, the restrictions – it’s affecting all age groups, men and women and is more common than you could imagine.
“It gives me great pride and purpose to be able to assist people around me and to provide a safe and confidential place for people to talk…and a well-stocked lolly jar and tissues.”
To find your closest Endeavour Foundation Mental Health First Aider, click here.
Pictured: Marissa Nankivell, Manager Community (Windsor Learning and Lifestyle) says her door is always open and her lolly jar is always full!
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