Mental Health First Aid Support

18 items · Health · Medium difficulty · 30 min

Clear steps to support someone in mental distress safely and compassionately.

• Create a calm private space

  Find a quiet spot, sit at the same level, and limit interruptions.

• Introduce yourself and explain your role

  Say your name and that you're there to listen and help, not to judge.

• Ask open, non-judgmental questions

  Use gentle prompts like 'Can you tell me what's been happening?'

• Listen actively and reflect back

  Paraphrase what you hear, name feelings, and avoid offering quick solutions.

• Assess immediate safety

  Ask directly about self-harm or harm to others and note urgency.

• Ask about suicidal thoughts

  Check whether they have thoughts of harming themselves right now.

• Ask about a specific plan, timing, and means

  Find out if they have a plan, access to means, or a set timeframe.

• Ask about past attempts and protective factors

  Note any history of attempts and what keeps them safe (people, reasons).

• If immediate danger, call emergency services

  Contact emergency help right away when the person is at immediate risk.

• Remove or secure access to lethal means

  Ask to store or remove items that could be used to self-harm if safe to do so.

• Use calming and grounding techniques

  Guide slow breathing or name five things they can see to reduce panic.

• Agree on next steps together

  Offer options (hotline, GP, crisis team) and ask which they prefer.

• Encourage connection with a professional

  Help them contact a doctor, counselor, or local crisis line as appropriate.

• Help make a simple safety or care plan

  Write down warning signs, coping steps, contacts, and emergency numbers.

• Obtain consent before contacting others

  Ask permission before telling family or professionals unless there is immediate danger.

• Follow up within 24–72 hours

  Check in to see how they're doing and whether they accessed help.

• Care for yourself after the support

  Notice your own feelings, take a break, and set a boundary if needed.

• Debrief with a supervisor or peer

  Talk about the situation with a trusted colleague or mentor.

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