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Mental Health First Aid Basics

Core skills everyone should know to support someone experiencing a mental health challenge

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis before professional support is accessed. Just as physical first aid teaches us how to respond to injuries or medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid equips us with the skills to support someone who is struggling with their mental health.

You don't need to be a mental health professional to provide Mental Health First Aid. These are practical skills anyone can learn and use to help a colleague, friend, family member, or even a stranger in distress.

Why Mental Health First Aid Matters

In Australia, nearly half of all people will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. Yet many people delay seeking help, often because they don't know where to start, feel ashamed, or believe they should be able to handle it alone.

Mental Health First Aid helps bridge this gap by:

• Encouraging early intervention before a situation becomes a crisis
• Reducing stigma and normalising conversations about mental health
• Providing practical support and reassurance to someone in distress
• Connecting people to professional help when needed

The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan: ALGEE

The Mental Health First Aid action plan is summarised by the acronym ALGEE. This five-step approach provides a framework for supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge.

A – Approach, Assess, and Assist with Any Crisis

If you're concerned about someone, approach them with care and compassion. Start the conversation in a private, safe space if possible.

Ask directly and calmly: "I've noticed you haven't seemed yourself lately. Are you okay?" or "I'm concerned about you. Can we talk?"

If the person is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, stay with them and call 000 or take them to the nearest hospital emergency department. Safety is always the priority.

L – Listen Non-Judgmentally

Once the person is willing to talk, your role is to listen—not to fix, advise, or minimise their experience. Give them your full attention and let them share at their own pace.

Some tips for non-judgmental listening:

• Put away distractions (phone, laptop)
• Use open body language and maintain appropriate eye contact
• Let them finish speaking without interrupting
• Avoid saying things like "just think positive" or "it could be worse"
• Validate their feelings: "That sounds really difficult" or "I can see this is hard for you"

You don't need to have all the answers. Sometimes just being heard is enough.

G – Give Reassurance and Information

After listening, provide reassurance that what they're experiencing is real, that help is available, and that recovery is possible.

You might say:

• "Thank you for trusting me with this."
• "You're not alone—many people go through this, and support is available."
• "What you're feeling is a normal response to what you've been through."
• "There are people who can help, and things can get better."

If appropriate, offer practical information about where they can access support, such as their GP, a psychologist, or crisis services.

E – Encourage Appropriate Professional Help

Encourage the person to seek professional support, but respect their autonomy. You can offer to help them make an appointment, find a psychologist, or call a support line, but ultimately the decision is theirs.

Suggestions for professional help include:

• Visiting their GP for an assessment and referral
• Calling a crisis support service like Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Accessing workplace Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Booking an appointment with a psychologist or social worker
• For veterans, contacting Open Arms (1800 011 046)

E – Encourage Self-Help and Other Support Strategies

In addition to professional help, encourage the person to maintain supportive routines and connections. This might include:

• Staying connected with friends and family
• Maintaining regular sleep, meals, and physical activity
• Limiting alcohol and other substances
• Engaging in activities that usually bring them comfort or joy
• Accessing peer support groups or online communities

Let them know you're there to support them, but also encourage them to build a support network rather than relying on one person alone.

Recognising Signs Someone Might Need Support

Sometimes people won't directly tell you they're struggling. Being able to recognise changes in behaviour or mood can help you approach someone early.

Signs to look out for include:

• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Noticeable changes in mood, energy, or behaviour
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Increased use of alcohol or other substances
• Neglecting personal care or responsibilities
• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or being a burden
• Changes in sleep or appetite

If you notice these signs in someone, it's okay to reach out. The worst thing that can happen is they say they're fine—the best thing is they feel supported.

Supporting Someone in a Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis occurs when someone is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, or is unable to care for themselves. This requires urgent action.

Signs of a mental health crisis include:

• Talking about suicide or having a plan to end their life
• Severe agitation, panic, or confusion
• Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, loss of contact with reality)
• Self-harm or threats of violence

If someone is in crisis:

1. Stay calm – Your calm presence can help de-escalate the situation
2. Stay with them – Don't leave them alone
3. Call for help – Contact 000, take them to the nearest emergency department, or call a crisis line like Lifeline (13 11 14) for guidance
4. Remove immediate dangers – If safe to do so, remove access to means of self-harm
5. Listen without judgement – Let them talk if they want to, and reassure them that help is coming

Looking After Yourself

Providing Mental Health First Aid can be emotionally challenging, especially if the person you're supporting is someone close to you. It's important to look after your own wellbeing too.

Some ways to care for yourself include:

• Set boundaries—you can support someone without taking on their distress
• Debrief with someone you trust
• Access your own support if needed
• Recognise that you're not responsible for fixing the person's problems

You can be there for someone without carrying their burden alone.

Formal Mental Health First Aid Training

While this article covers the basics, formal Mental Health First Aid training provides more in-depth skills, practice scenarios, and confidence to respond effectively in real situations.

Mindful Mates Social Services offers accredited Mental Health First Aid courses for individuals, workplaces, and community groups. These courses are delivered by experienced instructors with lived experience and professional expertise in mental health.

If you're interested in learning more, get in touch—we'd love to support you in building these essential skills.