60 seconds with… Marufa Begum, a mental health first-aider
For Mental Health Awareness Week 2020 we caught up with Marufa Begum. Marufa is a Volunteer Coordinator here at Barts Health, and, on top of this, she is also a mental health first-aider which means she provides mental health support to those that need it.
In this interview, we hear about her experience.
Why did you become a mental health first aider?
It’s easy to talk about our physical issues but it’s very hard to talk about our own mental health. Working in the hospital, I often interact with members of the public, staff, volunteers, and patients. I come across people who just want to have a chat and talk to someone about their thoughts, and sometimes vent their stresses or worries.
I have become a mental health first aider to help those who need support, without judging and helping them to get more support if needed.
I have a family member who suffers from a mental health condition which came as a bit of a shock. It opened my eyes to how common mental health conditions can be, and it also made me aware of the importance of raising awareness. The more we talk about our mental health, the more dialogue we have to help create a healthy workplace and community.
How do you approach people who you think may be having mental health issues?
I don’t like to pressurise anyone to feel they need to disclose anything. I ask if they would like to have a chat and then explain that I am available if they need to reach out. I also make sure that they’re aware of their options if they feel unwell or if things deteriorate.
Most of the time staff just want me to listen and I am more than happy to listen. We don’t always realise how stressed we are until someone ask us “How are you today”, and it can be easy to be caught up with all of life’s stress and challenges. Sometimes you just need someone who can listen and give you their time.
What qualities do you need to be a mental health first aider?
It’s important to be approachable, open minded, and a good listener. Anyone can be a MHFA, and the more of us there are, the better.