About this session
Mental-health difficulties are not always easy to spot, particularly when someone is still showing up to work, meeting deadlines or appearing outwardly functional.
In men, distress may also present through irritability, withdrawal, overworking, risk-taking, increased alcohol use or changes in behavior rather than obvious sadness.
Colleagues and managers are not expected to diagnose mental-health conditions, but they may be well placed to notice when someone seems different and begin a conversation.
Knowing what to look for, how to approach someone and where the boundaries of support sit can make those conversations feel more manageable.
This session provides a practical introduction to mental-health first-aid principles in a men's-health context. Attendees explore warning signs, conversation skills, support pathways and escalation so they leave clearer about how to help without taking on the role of a clinician.
What your people take away
- Recognize emotional, behavioral and physical changes that may indicate someone is struggling
- Understand why mental-health difficulty in men can sometimes be easy to miss
- Develop greater confidence in approaching someone when there is genuine concern
- Explore how to listen and respond without minimizing, judging or immediately trying to fix the problem
- Understand the boundaries of peer and workplace support
- Leave knowing when and how to connect someone with further professional or urgent support
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- What each length covers, 30 minutes to full day
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What each length covers
30 minutes
30 Minutes — Key Points: Spot the SignsA focused 30-minute session on three key points from Spot the Signs: what mental-health difficulty can look like, changes from someone's usual pattern and coping behaviors that may mask distress.
- What mental-health difficulty can look like
- Changes from someone's usual pattern
- Coping behaviors that may mask distress
Covers 3 of 4 points in Spot the Signs.
60 minutes
60 Minutes — Module 1The opening module focuses on recognition. Attendees explore the signs that may indicate a colleague is struggling and why changes in behavior, functioning and routine can sometimes be more informative than obvious emotional distress.
- Module 1: Spot the Signs
- Live Q&A
Covers 1 of 4 parts: Spot the Signs.
90 minutes
90 Minutes — Modules 1–2The session then moves into supportive conversations. Through facilitated discussion and practical examples, attendees examine how to check in, ask useful questions and respond in a way that keeps the conversation open.
- Module 1: Spot the Signs
- Module 2: Start and Hold a Supportive Conversation
- Live Q&A
Covers 2 of 4 parts: Spot the Signs and Start and Hold a Supportive Conversation.
3 hours
Covers 3 of 4 parts: Spot the Signs, Start and Hold a Supportive Conversation and Support Without Taking Over.
Full day
Full Day — Modules 1–4The full session adds boundaries, escalation and workplace support pathways. Attendees leave with a clearer understanding of how to notice, approach, listen, support and refer without becoming responsible for someone's treatment.
- Module 1: Spot the Signs
- Module 2: Start and Hold a Supportive Conversation
- Module 3: Support Without Taking Over
- Module 4: Escalate Safely and Build Better Support at Work
- Live Q&A
Covers all 4 parts.
What’s covered
Spot the Signs
Every length- What mental-health difficulty can look likeThe session begins by exploring how anxiety, depression, severe stress and other difficulties can affect behavior, mood, thinking and daily functioning.
- Changes from someone's usual patternAttendees examine why a noticeable shift in behavior can be more useful than relying on stereotypes about what poor mental health should look like.
- Coping behaviors that may mask distressThe discussion looks at overworking, increased alcohol use, constant busyness, excessive exercise or withdrawing from others as behaviors that can sometimes conceal underlying difficulty.
- When concern starts to growThe module closes by looking at persistence, severity and impact.
Start and Hold a Supportive Conversation
90 minutes and longer- How to open the conversationThe session explores simple ways to raise concern based on what has actually been noticed.
- Ask open, direct questionsThis section looks at questions that encourage someone to explain what has been happening rather than producing a yes-or-no answer.
- Listen without rushing to solve itAttendees examine the difference between listening to understand and immediately offering advice.
- Respond without minimizingCommon responses such as "everyone feels like that," "you'll be fine" or immediately comparing experiences are unpacked.
Support Without Taking Over
3 hours and longer- Understand your roleThe session clarifies what colleagues, managers and peers can reasonably do when someone is struggling.
- Explore support optionsWorkplace services, primary care, counseling, mental-health professionals and trusted personal support are considered as possible next steps depending on the situation.
- Maintain appropriate boundariesThe group looks at confidentiality, availability and the risks of becoming the only person someone relies on.
- Follow up without monitoringA supportive follow-up can communicate care after an initial conversation, but it should not become surveillance.
Escalate Safely and Build Better Support at Work
Full day only- When the situation needs more urgent actionThe final module examines circumstances where the level of concern is too high for informal support alone.
- Escalation without panicThe session looks at how to remain calm while involving appropriate workplace, professional or emergency support when necessary.
- The manager's roleManagers examine how to respond to disclosed difficulty, understand organizational procedures and facilitate access to support without becoming mental-health practitioners.
- Create a culture where support starts earlierThe session closes by looking at how leadership behavior, clear support pathways and everyday team norms can make earlier conversations easier.
How booking works
- Book online. Create a free Workbliss profile, then pay with session credits, by card or by invoice.
- Pick a date. Choose a date at least 14 days ahead, or book now and set the date later.
- Choose your expert. Within 3 working days, we send you profiles of the experts available for your date.
- We deliver it. Your expert is briefed on your people and goals, then runs the session live online or at your site.
Questions about Mental Health First Aid for Men: Spotting and Supporting
How long is Mental Health First Aid for Men: Spotting and Supporting?
Mental Health First Aid for Men: Spotting and Supporting runs as 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 3 hours or full day. You choose the length when you book. A 30-minute session covers three key points from Spot the Signs: what mental-health difficulty can look like, changes from someone's usual pattern and coping behaviors that may mask distress. A 60-minute session covers Spot the Signs in full, with a live Q&A. A 90-minute session adds Start and Hold a Supportive Conversation. A 3-hour session adds Support Without Taking Over. A full-day session adds Escalate Safely and Build Better Support at Work.
Can Mental Health First Aid for Men: Spotting and Supporting be delivered online or in person?
Yes, both. It runs live online, so every office can join at the same time, or in person at your site, in any country.
How do we book Mental Health First Aid for Men: Spotting and Supporting?
Create a free Workbliss profile with your work email, then open Mental Health First Aid for Men: Spotting and Supporting to see the price for each length and book it. You can pay with session credits, by card or by invoice, and choose a date at least 14 days ahead, or set it later.
Who leads the session?
A vetted Workbliss expert, briefed on your people, culture and goals before the session. After you book, we send you profiles of the experts available for your date within 3 working days, so you can choose who leads it.
Can it be tailored to our company?
Yes. Every session is shaped around your goals, your people and the benefits you already offer, and delivered by experts in your people’s languages.