Mental health first aid
Mental health first aid
About mental health
We all see friends and loved ones going through rough times, but sometimes what we’re witnessing is a developing
mental health problem
, 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:
depression
anxiety problems
psychosis
substance use problems
eating disorders
gambling problems
.
It can also help if a person is experiencing a mental health crisis, such as:
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
aggressive behaviours.
One in 5 Australian 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 Australian either directly or indirectly.
The
early intervention
of mental health problems can lead to better outcomes.
Mental health first aid training in Australia
Mental health first aid was developed in Australia 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
Mental Health First Aid®
Australia
External Link
. Instructors deliver training in workplaces, schools and community settings across the country.
MHFA training courses cover:
how to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem
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.
How to use mental health first aid
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
mental health first aid
guidelines
External Link
.
Know the signs
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
mood
, 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:
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
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.
Approach the person
Give the person a chance to talk to you. If they don’t open up to you themselves, and you are concerned about them,
initiate the
conversation
External Link
. 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.
Be supportive
Use
phrases that will help the person feel listened
to
External Link
, 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.
Know what’s not helpful
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:
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
trying to cure them or solve their problems.
Encourage someone to seek help for a mental health problem
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.
Mental health first aid for someone who is suicidal
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.
Link the person with professional help. Services such as
Suicide Call Back
Service
External Link
,
Lifeline
External Link
and
MensLine
External Link
Australia offer 24-hour services. The Victorian Government also provides a list of
mental health services in Victoria
.
In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
Better Health Channel has more information on responding to
suicide warning signs
.
Read Mental Health First Aid Australia’s
mental health first aid guidelines on suicidal thoughts and
behaviours
External Link
.
How to improve your knowledge about mental health first aid
You can improve your knowledge about mental health first aid by:
downloading the
mental health first aid
guidelines
External Link
for specific mental health problems
enrolling in a
mental health first aid
course
External Link
at Mental Health First Aid Australia
learning more about
early care for mental health problems
.
Where to get help
Immediate assistance
In urgent mental health and crisis situations, dial triple zero (000)
Suicide Call Back
Service
External Link
– free nationwide professional telephone and online counselling for anyone affected by suicide Tel:
1300 659 467
Lifeline
External Link
– confidential telephone crisis support service (24 hours, 7 days) Tel.
13 11 14
Kids
Helpline
External Link
Tel.
1800 551 800
MensLine
External Link
– professional telephone and online support and information service for men (24 hours 7 days) Tel.
1300 789 978
Non-urgent assistance
Your local
GP (doctor)
Your community health centre
Head to
Health
External Link
Beyond
Blue
External Link
Tel.
1300 224 636