Evaluation of a mental health first aid program for depression and suicidal behavior in Slovenia

Abstract Background The mental health first aid program aims to enhance mental health literacy, including the ability to recognize and respond to individuals with mental health issues until professional help is available. This presentation reports findings from an evaluation of the program developed in Slovenia, focusing on depression and suicidal behavior. Objectives The study evaluated the program's effectiveness by examining changes in participants’ self-rated competencies in providing mental health first aid and their behavioral intentions to support individuals with depression or suicidal risk. Between September 2023 and January 2025, nine workshops were held, involving 159 participants. Data were collected at three time points: one week before (T1), immediately after (T2), and three months later (T3), with 45 individuals (73% women) remaining at T3. Results Friedman tests showed significant differences in self-rated competencies for providing mental health first aid for depression (χ² = 36.263, p = 0.000) and suicidal risk (χ² = 38.442, p = 0.000). Post-hoc Wilcoxon tests showed that, across both domains, competencies were significantly higher after training and three months later compared to pre-training ratings. Significant change was also found in participants’ intention to help individuals with depression (χ² = 13.899, p = 0.001), while no significant change was observed for suicidal risk (χ² = 5.266, p = 0.072). Conclusions The Slovenian MHFA program improved self-reported basic competencies in providing first aid for depression and suicide risk. Nonetheless, additional adaptations may be required to enhance participants’ intentions to support individuals at risk of suicide. Key messages • The MHFA program improved participants’ self-rated competencies in mental health first aid for depression and suicide risk. • While intentions to support individuals experiencing depression increased, further adaptation is needed to enhance responses to suicidal risk.