Mental illness is defined as “a diagnosable illness, which affects a person’s thinking, emotional state and behaviour, and disrupts the person’s ability to work, carry out normal daily activities, and engage in satisfying relationships”.

This year, one in five New Zealanders will experience an episode of common mental illness that will have a major impact on their ability to function and operate safely in their workplaces. We need to have the right level of information so that we can understand how to approach and assist someone with compassion and confidence.

What’s in the course?
The Mental Health Awareness programme provides a foundation level of information about mental health, mental health problems and mental illness in the workplace.

Participants do not become qualified to diagnose and treat mental illness, but the course provides practical information about key mental illnesses so that they can identify risks in the workplace, and provide assistance if someone is experiencing a mental health issue.

In addition, the programme looks at workplace stress and burnout – and offers some tips and techniques for self‐care in order to manage these more effectively.