Table 1.

The content of the six modules within the MHFA eLearning course

Name of module	Content within module
1. Introduction to mental health and Mental Health First Aid	• Definitions, prevalence, and impact of mental health problems • Spectrum of interventions available for mental health problems • Types of professional help and treatment available for mental health problems • Definitions of recovery for mental health problems • Explanation of Mental Health First Aid and introduction to the MHFA ‘ALGEE’ action plan
2. Depression	• Definition of depression and other mood disorders • Risk factors for developing depression/mood disorders • Interventions and treatment for depression/mood disorders • Importance of early intervention for depression/mood disorders • Crises associated with depression: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and non-suicidal self-injury • MHFA action plan for depression • Helpful resources list
3. Anxiety problems	• Definition of anxiety and anxiety disorders (e.g. PTSD, social anxiety disorder) • Risk factors for developing anxiety disorders • Interventions and treatment for anxiety disorders • Importance of early intervention for anxiety problems • Crises associated with anxiety problems: panic attacks, and traumatic events • MHFA action plan for anxiety • Helpful resources list
4. Eating disorders	• Definitions and types of eating disorders (e.g. anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa) • Risk factors for developing eating disorders • Interventions and treatment for eating disorders • Importance of early intervention for eating disorders • Crises associated with eating disorders: malnutrition-related crises, suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and non-suicidal self-injury • MHFA action plan for eating disorders • Helpful resources list
5. Psychosis	• Definition of psychosis and types of psychotic disorders (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) • Risk factors for developing psychotic disorders • Interventions and treatment for psychotic disorders • Importance of early intervention for psychotic disorders • Crises associated with psychosis: person may be in severe psychotic state, aggressive behaviours, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours • MHFA action plan for psychosis • Helpful resources list
6. Substance use problems	• Definitions of substance use problems (e.g. alcohol use problems, drug use problems) • Risk factors for developing substance use problems • Interventions and treatment for substance use problems • Importance of early intervention for substance use problems • Crises associated with substance use problems: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, severe effects from alcohol and/or drug misuse (e.g. intoxication, withdrawal, overdosing, medical emergencies), and aggressive behaviours • MHFA action plan for substance use problems • Helpful resources list