Daniel’s story
We spoke with Daniel Phillips, a postgraduate student at Imperial College London, who shared his journey through mental health challenges and how his experience with MHFA England® training has empowered him to support himself and others.
Daniel completed the MHFA® training through MHFA England in July 2021 and followed up with a Refresher course in May 2024. These trainings provided him with essential tools and techniques that allowed him to manage his anxiety and regain control over his mental health.
Daniel shared,
"In 2019, I started to experience anxiety that left me feeling overwhelmed and isolated. I was stuck in a cycle that kept me from connecting with the world. After rebuilding my habits and lifestyle to help better manage my mental health, I came across the MHFA course, which became my lifeline. It has given me a range of tools and techniques that have empowered me to manage my mental health better. It boosted my self-confidence and provided a huge sense of relief."
Through the training, Daniel discovered the importance of understanding and compassion, which he applied to both himself and others. This shift in perspective played a crucial role in helping him rebuild confidence and tackle challenges with a renewed sense of strength.
"One of the biggest impacts was learning to approach mental health with empathy and understanding, not just for others but for myself too. This course helped me rebuild my sense of self and gave me the strength to face new challenges head-on. Perhaps the most comforting was knowing I wasn’t alone and that many others have faced similar experiences and persevered."
The course also reshaped how Daniel viewed the difficulties that others might be experiencing.
"The MHFA course has played a massive role in changing the way I view mental health. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that signs of poor mental health aren’t always visible."
When he noticed a friend struggling with the heavy demands of university work, Daniel was able to draw on his training to offer the right kind of help. He used the Stress Container analogy to help them understand how to manage their stress.
Daniel said,
"I told them to picture their stress as water filling up in a bucket. Everyone has a different-sized bucket, which overflows when we hit our limits. The key is finding ways to drain some of that water before it spills over. I said how taking breaks, getting some fresh air, or just calling someone for a chat are great ways to alleviate stress. I also mentioned that stress can be good and that sometimes we need a little to push us through those deadlines. It’s about finding that balance."
As Daniel reflects on his journey, he sees the lasting impact of the MHFA training, not just on his own life but on those around him. The course provided him with essential tools that extend beyond mental health, offering skills that enhance every aspect of life.
"MHFA training is incredibly valuable as it sets you up with skills for life. I found that building emotional intelligence at a young age helps manage social situations better, alleviate stress, and develop healthier relationships. These, in turn, not only promote good mental health but also overall personal development at a time when I was making a lot of life decisions that felt daunting and overwhelming."
Here at MHFA England, we offer expert guidance and training to give people the skills to spot the signs of poor mental health, the confidence to start a conversation and the knowledge to signpost to professional help. Because we know that the right support can make a lasting difference. To workplaces. To individuals. And to society.