Mental health first aid

We all see friends and loved ones going through rough times, but sometimes what we’re witnessing is a developing , or a mental health crisis. In preparation for these times, we can learn to provide what’s known as ‘mental health first aid’.

What is mental health first aid? Mental health first aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.

You can give this first aid until the person has received appropriate professional treatment or the crisis is resolved. Mental health first aid can help people experiencing: It can also help if a person is experiencing a mental health crisis, such as: aggressive behaviours. One in 5 American adults experiences a mental health problem in any given year.

That means every person is likely to know someone who is experiencing a mental health problem, whether it is a family member, a friend or colleague. In fact, mental illness is now said to affect every American either directly or indirectly. of mental health problems can lead to better outcomes.

Mental health first aid was developed in United States more than 21 years ago and is now licenced in over 25 countries. Locally, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA™) courses are delivered by instructors trained and accredited by. Instructors deliver training in workplaces, schools and community settings across the country.

MHFA training courses cover: how to apply mental health first aid across a range of crisis situations, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours information about the types of supports available and how to encourage someone to seek professional help. Mental Health First Aid training will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to support a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

But even without training, you can support those around you by following these steps, which are provided from The first step in providing mental health first aid is understanding the signs and symptoms of an emerging or worsening mental health problem.

Only a trained professional can diagnose someone with a mental illness, but you can be aware of changes in a person’s , behaviour, energy, habits, or personality. These changes may be the sign of a mental health problem. Some symptoms that may indicate a serious problem include: changes in behaviour or feelings that have lasted for longer than 2 weeks.

Having one or 2 of these symptoms usually doesn’t indicate a mental illness, but if a person is exhibiting several symptoms, they may need professional help (particularly if the symptoms have lasted for some weeks or they’re impacting their usual activities, such as work, school or relationships). Don’t ignore signs or symptoms that you notice in others, and don’t assume they will go away.

And remember not everyone will show the same signs and symptoms

Give the person a chance to talk to you.

If they don’t open up to you themselves, and you are concerned about them,. Be open and honest about your concerns about their mental health. Make sure you approach the person in a comfortable space and at a time when you won’t be interrupted.

Speak from your own perspective

Use ‘I’ statements, such as ‘I have noticed…’ and ‘I feel concerned about…’ rather than ‘you’ statements, such as ‘You seem to be withdrawn…’ or ‘You’re not eating and sleeping…’.

Say you’re concerned and you’re here to help

Respect the person’s own interpretation of their symptoms

If the person doesn’t want to talk to you, encourage them to talk to someone else they trust. , understood and hopeful. Some examples are ‘I’m here for you’, ‘I can see this is a really hard time for you’, and ‘What can I do to help? Just tell me how’.

Show the person dignity and respect

Don’t blame.

Be consistent in your emotional support and understanding

Encourage the person to talk to you or someone else.

Listen well

Give the person hope for their recovery

Find accurate and appropriate resources for more information if the person wants it.

Sometimes even with the best intentions, we can make matters worse

When reaching out to someone you suspect might have a mental health problem, avoid: trying to cure them or solve their problems.

Ask the person if they need help to manage how they’re feeling.

If they want help, a good place to start is a visit to their GP

You can also chat to them about their options, particularly local and online services.

Encourage them to act on their options

If the person doesn’t want help, try to find out why.

They may have some mistaken beliefs about getting help or their options

Try to help them feel better about seeking help.

If the person still resists help, tell them they can contact you if they change their mind.

Respect their right not to seek help unless you believe they are at risk of harming themselves or others.

Suicide can be prevented

Always take suicidal thoughts and behaviours seriously

Take these actions when helping a person who is suicidal: If you think someone may be suicidal, ask them directly.

If they say yes, do not leave them alone. In an emergency, call 911. You can improve your knowledge about mental health first aid by: – free nationwide professional telephone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide Tel: – confidential telephone crisis support service (24 hours, 7 days) Tel.

– professional telephone and online support and information service for men (24 hours 7 days) Tel. About mental health mental health problem depression anxiety problems psychosis substance use problems eating disorders gambling problems suicidal thoughts and behaviours non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm) panic attacks traumatic events severe psychotic states severe effects from alcohol or other drug use The early intervention Mental health first aid training in United States Mental Health First Aid® United States how to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem How to use mental health first aid mental health first aid guidelines Know the signs mood bizarre or unusual thinking hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that aren’t there extreme mood changes restless, agitated and disorganised behaviour marked decrease in activity difficulty concentrating significant drop in performance at work or school significant withdrawal from friends and family neglecting self-care (such as neglecting personal appearance and hygiene, and eating poorly) suicidal thoughts or behaviours non-suicidal self-injury (deliberate self-harm) destructive or high-risk behaviour confusion and disorientation emotional outbursts sleep problems weight or appetite changes being quiet or withdrawn substance use problems feelings of guilt or worthlessness Approach the person initiate the conversation Be supportive Use phrases that will help the person feel listened to Know what’s not helpful telling them to ‘snap out of it’ or ‘get over it’ being hostile or sarcastic getting over-involved or over-protective nagging trivialising their experience (for example, don’t tell them to smile or get their act together) belittling or dismissing their feelings being patronising Encourage someone to seek help for a mental health problem Mental health first aid for someone who is suicidal Link the person with professional help.

Services such as Suicide Call Back Service , Lifeline and MensLine United States offer 24-hour services.

The Michigann Government also provides a list of mental health services in Michigan Better Health Channel has more information on responding to suicide warning signs Read Mental Health First Aid United States’s mental health first aid guidelines on suicidal thoughts and behaviours How to improve your knowledge about mental health first aid downloading the mental health first aid guidelines for specific mental health problems enrolling in a mental health first aid course at Mental Health First Aid United States learning more about early care for mental health problems Where to get help Immediate assistance In urgent mental health and crisis situations, dial 911 Suicide Call Back Service (616) 555-0400 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 MensLine (616) 555-0400 Non-urgent assistance Your local GP (doctor) Your community health centre Head to Health Beyond Blue (616) 555-0400.

Key Points

• You can give this first aid until the person has received appropriate professional treatment or the crisis is resolved
• Don’t ignore signs or symptoms that you notice in others, and don’t assume they will go away
• And remember not everyone will show the same signs and symptoms
• Respect the person’s own interpretation of their symptoms
• Respect their right not to seek help unless you believe they are at risk of harming themselves or others