Videos
STEP 1: Approach the individual and assess the situation
- Find a fitting time and place where you both feel safe.
- If they don’t start a conversation with you or tell you how they feel then start one yourself.
- Approach them and tell them that you are worried about them.
- Respect their privacy and confidentiality.
- Could they hurt themselves?
- Is their behaviour disturbing others (are they aggressive or have they lost touch with reality)?
STEP 2: Listen to their concerns supportively and without judgement
When giving mental health first aid, it is important to listen to the person without prejudices and without judging them.
When you are listening to them, you should set your judgements regarding their person or their situation aside. Most people in stress just wish that someone would unjudgementally listen to their story before they are offered help or solutions. To do that effectively, you should implement specific attitudes and listening skills that:
- would allow you to really listen and understand what you are being told and that would make the other person feel like they can talk to you about their problems freely and without being judged.
STEP 3: Assure them, offer support and information
When you have listened to their troubles, it is easier for you, as the first aid giver, to offer them support and information. The aid that you can give is support – try to understand their feelings, offer them hope for recovery and give them practical aid. You can also ask them if they would like to get more information about mental health issues.