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"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the importance of recognising and responding to invisible mental health struggles in the workplace, highlighting how Mental Health First Aid empowers individuals to offer support with empathy and confidence.
By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea
As a Mental Health First Aider and instructor, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it can be when someone feels seen, heard, and supported.
If a colleague tripped and broke their ankle at work, most of us would know what to do. We’d call for help, offer comfort, and ensure they got the right medical attention. But what if that same colleague was quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, or burnout? Would we know how to respond? Would we even notice the signs?
Tuesday 19 August marks the inaugural National Mental Health First Aid Day, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program. Over the past quarter-century, MHFA has equipped millions of people worldwide with the knowledge and skills to recognise when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem, and how to respond in a safe, supportive way.
Just like traditional first aid, MHFA is not about diagnosing or providing ongoing treatment. It’s about being that first point of contact - offering reassurance, listening without judgment, and connecting the person with professional help. It’s the difference between walking past someone in distress and having the confidence to stop, ask, and act.
At IMPACT Community Services, we’re committed to building this confidence in our workplace. This year alone, we’ve trained 35 team members in Mental Health First Aid so that more of us can recognise early warning signs, approach conversations with empathy, and know the right steps to take. It’s part of our broader commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health.
When more of us have these skills, small moments of support can make a big difference. A quiet conversation, a listening ear, or a gentle nudge towards help can change the course of someone’s day - or even their life. Mental Health First Aid reminds us that we don’t need to have all the answers to show we care. We just need to be willing to see, to listen, and to act.
