When someone is struggling, they’re more likely to open up to a colleague or a friend than to a professional. That’s why the role of a Mental Health First Aider matters so much.
You’ve taken the time to learn how to recognise the signs, hold space without judgement, and guide someone towards help. That’s not a small thing. You’re part of a growing network of people helping make workplaces, schools, and communities safer for everyone.
Each month, I send you a short round-up of useful mental health resources. Whether you’re actively supporting others or just keeping your knowledge fresh, I hope you find something here that strengthens your confidence and care.
Subsidised Therapy Sessions: Medicare Better Access Initiative
The Better Access Initiative provides Medicare rebates for mental health treatment by registered psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, eligible Australians can access up to 10 subsidised sessions per calendar year. This support is available for a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief.
Find out more via Healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-treatment-plan
Youth Mental Health Resource: Momentum
Momentum is a free, evidence-based, self-guided online mental health platform for young Australians aged 7–17. Co-designed by young people, clinicians, and researchers across six universities, it offers personalised tools to manage anxiety, low mood, sleep issues, and coping with life’s ups and downs. It’s safe, engaging, and meant to build resilience—right from home.
Explore Momentum: https://www.momentumhub.org.au/
CPTSD Self-Assessment Quiz: Understand Your Trauma Patterns
This self-reflection tool is based on the ICD-11 criteria for Complex PTSD and draws from the International Trauma Questionnaire. It’s designed to help you recognise key patterns like emotional dysregulation, low self-worth and difficulty with relationships — symptoms that often go unnoticed or mislabelled. Use this quiz to deepen your awareness, feel less alone, and identify the starting point for your healing journey.
What mental health topics matter most to you?
I’m always open to filling any knowledge gaps in the mental health space, so if there’s a topic you’d love to learn more about, let me know by taking this 1-minute survey.
Monthly Podcast Recommendation
Podcast of the Month: Anxiety At Work? Reduce Stress, Uncertainty & Boost Mental Health
This practical series features mental health experts unpacking real causes of workplace stress, from performance pressure to Sunday night dread, and offering straightforward strategies to reduce tension and build calm. Each episode is packed with actionable tips you can apply at work or share with your team.
Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Gly8T0LZ5lMkMGbu654Ou
Monthly Book Recommendation
The First Rule of Mastery by Dr Michael Gervais
In The First Rule of Mastery, performance psychologist Dr Michael Gervais explores how the fear of other people’s opinions (FOPO) holds us back from becoming who we truly are. The book offers a smart and science-informed path for shifting your focus from outside approval to inner alignment, so you can act with more clarity and confidence. Through the framework of Unmask, Assess, and Redefine, it combines stories, research, and simple tools to help you calm self-doubt and stop overthinking. A great read if you’re ready to step out of performance anxiety and into your own values.
Celebrating August's MHFAiders
In August, people across Australia stepped up and completed Mental Health First Aid training with me, both online and in person.
Some joined because someone close was struggling and they didn’t know how to help. Others wanted to feel more confident speaking up at work. Many had no mental health background at all, just a strong sense it was time to learn.
You gave up evenings, weekends and work hours to gain skills in recognising the signs, holding safe conversations and offering support without judgement.
You are now nationally accredited Mental Health First Aiders. You are part of a growing movement making workplaces and communities safer and more compassionate.
Thank you for showing up. It matters.
Interested in joining the next training? Course Calendar.
Train Your Brain to Feel Safe (CPTSD Toolkit)
If you or someone you know is living with Complex PTSD, the CPTSD Emergency Toolkit is a simple, effective way to start building safety in the nervous system.
Inside the toolkit you’ll find:
A calming Morning Regulation audio to help start the day with steadiness
A soothing Evening Calm audio to unwind and rest
A powerful Emergency Calm audio for moments of panic or shutdown
A 32-page workbook with trauma-informed reflection prompts and healing exercises
These tools are most effective when used regularly. Instead of pushing yourself to get over it, you gently show your brain safety again and again, until it learns a new pattern.
This month only, I’m offering 50% off the full toolkit as a thank you to my newsletter community. Use the code AUGUST50 at the checkout.
If you’re ready for real change, or want to help someone who is, this is the perfect place to begin.
Featured Course
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)
I run this course weekly for people who support young people—whether in schools, sports clubs, or at home. You’ll learn:
How to spot warning signs in young people
How to approach them safely
How to support them through anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and more
Is Your MHFA or Youth MHFA Accreditation About to Expire?
If your Standard Mental Health First Aid or Youth MHFA accreditation is nearing expiry, I offer both refresher courses online every single week. You can join from anywhere in Australia.
If you’re based in Perth and would prefer these courses delivered face-to-face, I can work with you to ensure a session can be offered at your workplace.
Mental Health First Aid Australia has a strict minimum of six participants per class. I really appreciate your flexibility if your chosen date needs to be rescheduled.
Most of you already know how flexible I am too. If your accreditation is about to expire and numbers drop below six, I’ll do everything I can to still deliver the session for you.
New Mental Health Resources at Mental Health Resource Hub
Looking for practical tools to support mental health?
New digital products are added every week at Mental Health Resource Hub (MHRH). From worksheets and workbooks to guided exercises and training materials, find the right resources to help yourself and others.
Browse the latest mental health products here.
Thank You for the 5-Star Google Reviews
If you’ve taken a moment to leave a 5-star Google review, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you. It genuinely helps others find me and decide whether mental health training is the right fit for them.
If you’ve kindly left a review and haven’t yet received your free digital product from the Mental Health Resource Hub, please email me so I can send you your unique voucher code: dal@dalsahota.com
And if you meant to leave a review but forgot, it’s absolutely not too late! Every bit of support helps others find this work, and I appreciate it more than you know.
Until Next Time…
Thanks for being here. Whether you’re building momentum or just taking care of the basics, I hope something in this edition gave you a small sense of relief or recognition.
You don’t have to fix everything at once. Small, steady shifts matter.
If anything stood out or you’ve got something on your mind, you can always hit reply or email me directly at dal@dalsahota.com.
Take a breath, let it be enough for now, and know you’re not alone in this.
From me, Willow (still stealing the spotlight), Freddie (still enjoying his quiet), and the chickens (still convinced I exist to feed them), sending calm and comfort your way.