Mental Health First Aid

When we think about the words "first aid" we usually think about the posters we see at swimming pools and beaches.


I hear you say "but first aid is for someone that has drowned, had a heart attack or is a victim of other type of emergency."


Yes it is and it is a "physical health action plan".
an action plan is provided by the following with the mnemonic DRABC(D)
D : which stands for Danger,
R: Response,
A: Airway,
B: Breathing and
C: Compressions (Defibrillation).

We won't go into that but provided below is a link for further information and it is a good idea to do a practical course.
We as health professionals are required to do an update annually.


http://www.medicalonline.com.au/medical/first_aid/all_situations.htm




Similarly, the "mental health first aid action plan" advises you about how to help a person in a mental health crisis or developing mental health problems.

Its mnemonic is ALGEE.

Although the action of assisting with a crisis is the highest priority, the other actions in the mental health first aid action plan may need to occur first.

Therefore these actions are not necessarily steps to be followed in a fixed order.

They are numbered purely to help remember them.

The helping person has to use good judgment about the order and the relevance of these actions and needs to be flexible and responsive to the person they are helping.

Listening non-judgmentally is an action that occurs throughout the giving of first aid.

The mental health action plan

A: Assess for risk of suicide or harm

L: Listen nonjudgmentally

G: Give reassurance and Information

E: Encourage appropriate professional help

E: Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Action plan step 1

The initial task is to approach the person, look out for any crises and assist the person to deal with them.

In a situation involving a person with a mental health problem, the possible crises are that:

: The person may harm themselves (e.g. by attempting suicide, by using substances to become intoxicated, or by engaging in non-suicidal self-injury);

: The person experiences extreme distress (e.g. such as a panic attack, a traumatic event or a severe psychotic state);

: The person’s behaviour is very disturbing to others (e.g. if they become aggressive, or lose touch with reality).

If the first aider has no concerns that the person is in crisis, they can ask the person about how they are feeling and how long they have been feeling that way and move on to ACTION 2.

Action plan step 2 

Listening to the person is a very important action. When listening, it is important to set aside any judgments made about the person or their situation, and avoid expressing those judgments.

Most people who are experiencing distressing emotions and thoughts want to be listened to empathetically before being offered options and resources that may help them.

When listening non-judgmentally, the first aider adopts certain attitudes and uses verbal and non-verbal listening skills that:

Allow the listener to really hear and understand what is being said to them, and Make it easier for the other person to feel they can talk freely about their problems without being judged.

It is important to listen non-judgmentally at all times when providing mental health first aid.

Action plan step 3

Once a person with a mental health problem has felt listened to, it can be easier for the first aider to offer support and information.

The support to offer at the time includes emotional support, such as empathising with how they feel and giving them the hope of recovery, and practical help with tasks that may seem overwhelming at the moment.

Also, the first aider can ask the person if they would like some information about mental health problems.

Action plan step 4

The first aider can also tell a person about any options available to them for help and support.

A person with mental health problems will generally have a better recovery with appropriate professional help.

However, they may not know about the various options that are available to them, such as medication, counselling or psychological therapy, support for family members, assistance with vocational and educational goals, and assistance with income and accommodation.

Action plan 5

Encourage the person to use self-help strategies and to seek the support of family, friends and others. Other people who have experienced mental health problems can also provide valuable help in the person’s recovery.

If you are still concerned that the person is at risk then call "000" as soon as possible and try and remain with the person until assistance arrives.

Care for yourself

After providing mental health first aid to a person who is in distress, you may feel worn out, frustrated, distressed yourself, or even angry.

That is okay, there is nothing to feel bad about.

These reactions are normal.  

You may also need to deal with any feelings and reactions you set aside during the encounter.

It can be helpful to find someone to talk to about what you have experienced but please do not forget about confidentiality, so do not disclose who you had helped.

It is also important at this time to look after yourself, a bit of self nurturing can go a long way.

If what you experienced or witnessed traumatized you and you can't stop thinking about it or have bad dreams or nightmares for more than a few days, then please seek professional help for yourself.

If you would like to do a mental health aid first course yourself, this link has information regarding options available for you. 

https://mhfa.com.au/courses/public

For more information about how I can help you or anyone you know that may benefit from professional help with mental health issues, please visit my website.

http://www.valkeenalifecoachaustralia.com/

If you have any questions or comments, please write them below.

A.L.G.E.E bear used in the USA