Mental Health First Aid: How to Help Someone in Crisis
Mental health emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a friend experiencing panic attacks or a colleague showing signs of burnout or suicidal thoughts, knowing how to provide mental health first aid can save a life.
Just like CPR is vital during a cardiac emergency, mental health first aid (MHFA) equips ordinary people with the tools to assist someone until professional help is available. In today’s world—post-pandemic, high-stress, and digitally isolated—these skills are more critical than ever.
What Is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is the support offered to someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. It is not therapy or diagnosis—but rather:
- Providing immediate comfort and understanding
- Ensuring the person is safe
- Guiding them towards professional resources
The goal is to reduce immediate distress and help the person access appropriate care.
Why Is Mental Health First Aid Important?
Mental health issues often go unnoticed or unaddressed because of stigma, fear, or lack of awareness. Early intervention matters. MHFA can:
- Prevent a situation from escalating
- Offer hope and immediate relief to the person
- Reduce long-term damage by encouraging early treatment
- Improve workplace, community, and family relationships
By learning MHFA, you become a mental health ally—a safe space for someone in crisis.
Key Signs Someone Might Be Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
Recognising red flags is the first step in offering help. Watch out for:
- Sudden withdrawal or isolation
- Extreme mood swings or agitation
- Speaking about feeling hopeless, worthless, or trapped
- Changes in sleep, eating, or appearance
- Substance misuse or reckless behaviour
- Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
These signs don’t always mean a crisis—but they warrant attention and compassion.
The 5-Step Action Plan: ALGEE
The official Mental Health First Aid training model is summed up by the acronym ALGEE. Here’s how it works:
1. A – Assess for Risk of Suicide or Harm
Ask direct but non-judgmental questions:
- “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?”
- “Do you feel like life is not worth living?”
If there’s any indication of suicidal thoughts or danger to self/others, do not leave the person alone. Contact emergency services immediately.
2. L – Listen Non-Judgmentally
Let the person express their feelings. Avoid interrupting, offering clichés, or judging. Use empathetic phrases like:
- “That sounds really tough.”
- “I’m here to listen, not to fix things.”
3. G – Give Reassurance and Information
Reassure them that they are not alone and that help is available. Avoid making false promises or minimising their feelings.
4. E – Encourage Appropriate Professional Help
Suggest seeing a mental health professional such as:
- A clinical psychologist or psychiatrist
- A GP for referrals
- School or workplace counsellors
5. E – Encourage Self-Help and Other Support
Promote healthy habits and peer support like:
- Journaling or mindfulness
- Support groups or online communities
- Physical activity and nutrition
What to Do If Someone Is Suicidal
If someone expresses suicidal thoughts, take it seriously:
- Ask directly: “Are you thinking of ending your life?”
- Stay with them and remove access to harmful objects
- Contact emergency services or suicide helplines
In the UK, you can call Samaritans at 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988.
How to Respond to a Panic Attack
If someone is experiencing a panic attack:
- Encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply
- Use grounding techniques like naming five things they see
- Offer a calm, reassuring presence
Don’t tell them to “calm down” or dismiss their fears. Help them feel safe and supported.
Do's and Don'ts of Mental Health First Aid
✅ Do:
- Stay calm and present
- Use open body language
- Validate their emotions
- Maintain confidentiality (unless safety is at risk)
❌ Don’t:
- Give unsolicited advice or compare their experience to others
- Blame them or use dismissive language
- Push them to talk if they’re not ready
- Promise things you can’t deliver
Who Can Learn Mental Health First Aid?
MHFA is designed for everyone—not just doctors or therapists. This includes:
- Parents and caregivers
- Teachers and educators
- HR professionals and managers
- College students
- Volunteers, coaches, and peer mentors
Certified MHFA courses are available online and in-person across the UK, US, India, and other countries.
Why Mental Health First Aid Matters More Than Ever
Post-pandemic anxiety, rising suicide rates, and the pressure of modern life make MHFA an essential life skill. According to the WHO, depression affects more than 264 million people globally. Early intervention can:
- Reduce stigma around mental illness
- Bridge the gap between crisis and treatment
- Build stronger, more empathetic communities
Internal Links You May Find Helpful
FAQs on Mental Health First Aid
Q1. Do I need a medical degree to offer mental health first aid?No. MHFA is designed for laypersons. It teaches practical steps to offer initial help, not diagnosis or therapy.
Q2. Can I make things worse by intervening?Not if you follow the basic principles: stay calm, be non-judgmental, listen, and guide the person to help. Saying something is better than silence.
Q3. What if someone refuses help?Respect their boundaries unless they are at risk of harming themselves or others. Keep the door open and follow up later.
Q4. Is MHFA training available online?Yes. Many certified programmes are available through national MHFA organisations in the US, UK, and India.
Q5. How do I practise self-care after helping someone in crisis?Helping others can be emotionally draining. Talk to a therapist, debrief with peers, journal, and take breaks as needed.