“The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one.”
— Elbert Hubbard

Fear keeps people quiet. Afraid to speak up. Afraid to check in. Afraid to say the wrong thing.

But when it comes to mental health, silence doesn’t just hurt. It kills.

Another Course. Sixteen More Lives Transformed.

We’ve just wrapped another two-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course in Sheffield. Sixteen professionals. Two days. One mission: to become mental health first responders.

They left knowing how to:

• Spot the signs
• Start the conversation
• Be the support someone might desperately need

And not just during Mental Health Awareness Week. Every day. Every team. Every situation.

Mental Health: The Silent Emergency

• 16.4 million workdays lost last year to mental health issues
• 7,055 people died by suicide in 2023 — the highest rate ever recorded
• 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem this year

And yet… most people still don’t know what to do when someone is struggling.

“Speak to Your GP” — But What If You Can’t?

How many times have we said it?
“Go see your GP.” “Book an appointment.”

But try calling your GP midweek. You’re told to ring back at 8:30am on Monday. You do — you’re on hold for 47 minutes. No slots. No support.

What then?

Google? TikTok? ChatGPT?

By the time someone reaches that point, it might already be too late.

That’s why one phrase echoes throughout MHFA training: early intervention.

We don’t wait until someone stops breathing to act.
We don’t wait until someone crashes emotionally either.

MHFA: A Skill for Life

MHFA isn’t therapy. It’s not a wellness trend. It’s a practical skill that helps you:

• Identify signs of mental distress
• Start non-judgemental conversations
• Signpost professional help
• Respond in a crisis, including when suicide is involved

It’s the modern equivalent of CPR — but for the mind.

We’ve Always Valued First Aid — So Why Not This?

I remember being in the Cubs and Scouts — badges stitched down my arm: First Aid, Home Help, Cooking, Knots. Life skills that meant something.

And the motto? Be Prepared.

It stuck with me. Later in the workplace, First Aid was still taken seriously. Fire wardens. Defibrillators. Emergency plans.

But when it comes to mental health? Hesitation. Kickback. Silence.

We all have mental health. Some days it’s great. Some days it’s not. It’s no different to physical health.

So why treat it differently?

Mental Health First Aid is the badge every modern professional should wear with pride.

And fittingly, Lord Baden-Powell — the man behind the Scouts — married Olave Baden-Powell, born right here in Chesterfield. A full-circle reminder that being prepared starts close to home.

It’s Not Just a Moral Duty — It’s the Law

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal duty to protect the health, safety, and welfare of employees — including mental health.

The Equality Act 2010 takes it further. If someone’s mental health condition qualifies as a disability, employers must make reasonable adjustments.

But for that to happen… the employee has to speak up.

And that’s where the real problem begins.

The Hidden Barrier: Fear of Speaking Up

People stay silent because they’re scared.

• “Will they pass me over for promotion?”
• “Will I be seen as weak?”
• “Will they treat me differently?”

I’ve seen this fear up close in organisations I worked with before founding Elemental Prestige Wellness. Brilliant people suffering in silence. Too afraid to risk their careers by being honest.

So they wear a mask. They pretend. They burn out.

MHFA is how we break that cycle.

It’s how we build cultures of safety, trust, and real leadership.

This Is Personal

Too many only realise they’re unwell when they’re in A&E. Not with a broken leg. But with a mind that’s hit breaking point.

Would you want that for your best friend?
Your child? Your partner?
Or even… yourself?

Mental health isn’t someone else’s problem. It’s not the NHS’s job.
It’s ours.

Take Action — Before It’s Too Late

MHFA courses are running regularly — in person and online.

📩 Message me now to join the next course
👥 Tag someone who should be on it
🧠 Learn the skill that could save a life — maybe even your own

This isn’t a trend.
It’s leadership.
It’s preparation.
It’s care in action.

P.S. I do this because I’ve lived it. I’ve seen the cracks — and I’ve helped people through them. If this struck a chord with you, don’t sit on it. Take the next step. Reach out. Let’s talk.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to email me at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!

MentalHealthFirstAid #MentalHealthAwareness #WorkplaceWellbeing #HRSupport #MentalHealthMatters