Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Someone in Crisis

Mental health crises can be just as urgent and life-threatening as physical health emergencies. Knowing how to provide mental health first aid can help someone in crisis get the support they need when they need it most. This guide explains how to recognise the signs of a mental health crisis and how to offer effective support to someone who may be struggling.

1. Understanding Mental Health First Aid

Mental health first aid is the help offered to a person experiencing a mental health crisis until appropriate professional help is available or the crisis resolves. It’s similar to physical first aid but focuses on providing initial support for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders.

• Goals of Mental Health First Aid:
  • Preserve life where a person may be at risk of harm.
  • Prevent the worsening of the person’s mental health condition.
  • Promote recovery by encouraging appropriate professional help.
  • Provide comfort to someone in distress.

2. Recognising the Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

Knowing the signs of a mental health crisis is crucial to providing timely support:

• Signs of Anxiety: Excessive worry, restlessness, physical symptoms like sweating or trembling, and difficulty concentrating.
• Signs of Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• Signs of Panic Attacks: Sudden overwhelming fear, heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, and feeling disconnected from reality.
• Signs of Psychosis: Hallucinations, delusions, confused thinking, and difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy.
• Signs of Substance Use Crisis: Extreme intoxication, confusion, erratic behaviour, and potential overdose.

3. How to Approach and Support Someone in Crisis

When you notice someone in a mental health crisis, approaching them with care and empathy is essential:

• Stay Calm: Your calmness can help de-escalate the situation and provide reassurance.
• Approach Privately: Speak to the person in a private and safe environment to avoid adding to their distress.
• Use Open-Ended Questions: Encourage them to talk by asking open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling?” or “What’s on your mind?”
• Listen Without Judgment: Give them your full attention, listen actively, and avoid interrupting. Show empathy and avoid making assumptions or judgments.
• Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions by saying things like, “It sounds like you’re going through a tough time” or “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way.”

4. Providing Immediate Support

Once you’ve established communication, the next step is to provide appropriate support:

• Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest that they speak to a mental health professional, such as a GP, therapist, or counsellor. Offer to help them make an appointment if needed.
• Provide Information: If they’re open to it, provide information about mental health resources, such as helplines, support groups, or online services.
• Offer Practical Support: Sometimes, practical assistance—like helping with daily tasks or providing a listening ear—can make a big difference.
• Stay with Them: If the person is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, do not leave them alone. Stay with them and seek urgent help.

5. Dealing with Suicidal Thoughts

If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to take them seriously:

• Ask Directly: Don’t be afraid to ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. This can open the door for them to talk about their feelings.
• Remove Means: If possible, remove any means that could be used for self-harm, such as sharp objects or medications.
• Seek Immediate Help: Call 999 or take the person to the nearest A&E department if they are in immediate danger. You can also contact mental health crisis teams or helplines like Samaritans (116 123) for urgent advice.

6. Encouraging Self-Care and Recovery

After the immediate crisis has passed, encourage the person to engage in self-care and recovery practices:

• Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage them to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep, as these can significantly impact mental health.
• Support Continued Care: Help them continue with any prescribed treatment or therapy. Encourage them to keep follow-up appointments and stay connected with support networks.
• Foster Social Connections: Social support is vital for recovery. Encourage them to reach out to friends, family, or support groups.

Conclusion

Mental health first aid is a vital skill that can help save lives and support individuals through their darkest moments. By understanding the signs of a mental health crisis and knowing how to offer support, you can make a significant difference in someone’s life. If you’re interested in learning more, consider taking a Mental Health First Aid course to further develop your skills and confidence in supporting those in need.