Helping People using Mental Health First Aid

Helping People with Mental Health First Aid

Helping others can be incredibly rewarding, giving us a sense of accomplishment and value. It is crucial to approach assisting individuals with mental health issues with care and precision. The ALGEE model is a widely recognised method in the mental health first aid (MHFA) community. This model is designed to guide individuals in providing initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis, like how the ABC model (focusing on airway, breathing, and circulation) is used in physical health first aid.

The ALGEE model consists of five key steps: Assess for risk of suicide or harm, Listen non-judgmentally, Give reassurance and information, Encourage appropriate professional help, and Encourage self-help and other support strategies. When faced with a situation involving mental health challenges, understanding, and effectively applying the ALGEE model can significantly aid in providing meaningful assistance.

A – Assess/Approach

How to assess or approach someone is important and doing it in the right way is important too. It’s an introductory thing and first impressions count. Assess the person in front of you, to gain information on what to do.

L – Listen

Always listen to the person thoroughly giving them all your attention and try to take everything in that the person is experiencing. Don’t be judgmental or pressure a person in any way.

G – Give Reassurance/Information

Make a person realise that mental illness is real and reassure them that it’s not their fault. The symptoms are not something to blame on yourself, as stated it’s not your fault and some of the conditions are treatable.

E – Encourage Help/Support

Let the individual know that there are health professionals who can help with depression and other mental conditions.

E – Encourage

Many treatments, self-help and lots of support strategies help.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Spending time with family, friends, and other social networks might also.

Mental Health First Aid

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental health first aid. No situation or symptoms are the same as everyone is different.

In cases where a person has a mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or is acting violently 999 or 111 immediately.

Inform the emergency services on what is happening while waiting for emergency service’sb arrival. Formal training in mental health first aid will come in handy in these situations. There are many training courses available and well worth doing.