On October 10th, the world marks World Mental Health Day.
Behind this symbolic date lies a reality that affects us all: 1 in 5 French people experiences a mental health issue every year. A colleague, a friend, a loved one… we all know someone who is or will be affected.
In the face of this reality, there is a concrete response: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
Just like physical first aid, this training empowers people to identify, listen, reassure, and guide someone in psychological distress. More than 225,000 first aiders have already been trained in France, with an ambitious target of 750,000 by 2030.
Why mental health is everyone’s business
Mental health is not limited to hospitals or clinics: it is an essential part of our everyday life. Just as we take care of our body, we must also learn how to protect our psychological balance.
Yet, mental health issues are still surrounded by taboos and stigma. As a result, many people hesitate to seek help, delay treatment, and become even more isolated. These barriers are a major obstacle to recovery, social inclusion, and quality of life.
This is where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) makes a real difference: it helps to shift perceptions, open up conversations, and facilitate access to care at the very first signs of distress.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): understand and act
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was created in Australia in 2000 and adapted to France in 2018. The idea is simple: just as we learn physical first aid, we can also acquire the essential skills to support mental health.
This training empowers people to:
- Identify common disorders (depression, anxiety, psychosis, addictions…).
- Do one’s part
- Guide towards the right resources and professionals.
It doesn’t turn participants into psychologists, but it equips them with practical tools to act in everyday situations — both in personal life and in the workplace. It is a powerful way to fight stigma and strengthen social connection.
Numbers that speak for themselves
Mental Health First Aid is more than just a good idea — it delivers tangible results.
📊 Key figures in France:
- Over 225,000 first aiders trained.
- 98.5% of participants recommend the training.
- Ambitious goal: 750,000 first aiders by 2030, covering more than 1% of the population.
🌍 Worldwide, MHFA is active in 29 countries, with more than 8 million first aiders trained.
These figures show a growing movement and highlight how MHFA addresses an urgent societal need: making mental health support accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Businesses as key players
Mental health is not only a social issue, it is also a strategic challenge for organizations.
👉 22% of long-term sick leaves are linked to psychological disorders or severe fatigue.
👉 Only 22% of employees feel sufficiently prepared to react in a crisis (panic attack, suicidal crisis).
Yet, most employees want to be better equipped: 66% would like to know more about mental health conditions.
More and more companies are therefore investing in MHFA training for their staff. The benefits are clear:
- Improved Quality of Work Life (QWL).
- Reduced psychosocial risks (PSR).
- A stronger culture of listening and support.
Mental Health Fresco for companies
Human Déclic, driving change
At Human Déclic, we believe that mental health at work is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Training employees in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) or running awareness workshops such as the Mental Health Fresco can truly transform an organization’s culture.
Our support is built on 3 pillars:
✅ Training MHFA first aiders to give your teams practical tools.
✅ Raising awareness through engaging, participatory workshops.
✅ Advising leaders and managers to implement sustainable Quality of Work Life strategies.
💡 Every organization is unique: we tailor our approach to your context, your challenges, and your teams.
➡️ Take the next step: Book a meeting with Human Déclic
Conclusion
Mental health is not a side issue — it lies at the heart of our lives, our relationships, and our workplaces.
Every action matters. Every moment of listening and care can make a difference.
On this World Mental Health Day, let’s remember:
👉 Getting trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) means becoming an agent of change.
👉 It means building a more human, inclusive, and supportive professional and social environment.
💡 What if this year, you took a concrete step towards that transformation?
➡️ Book a meeting with Human Déclic
