Many of us know a family member, friend or colleague who may be struggling with mental health. But what happens when this turns into a crisis? How can you best support your loved one when they’re experiencing a panic attack or suicidal thoughts. Here, we break down what ‘Mental Health First Aid’ is and how you can identify signs of a mental health crisis and provide the appropriate initial support.
The month of October has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa, with the objective of not only educating the public about mental health but also reducing the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness often experience. One key initiative is to promote ‘Mental Health First Aid’ (MHFA) – a concept similar to physical first aid, but designed for mental health crises.
Just as physical first aid teaches you how to stabilise a person until professional help is available, MHFA equips you with the tools to support someone going through a mental health crisis. This could involve anxiety attacks, suicidal ideation, severe depression or even psychosis.
How to Identify A Mental Health Crisis:
Some common signs include:
- Sudden mood changes – extreme shifts in mood, irritability or withdrawal.
- Risk-taking behaviour – engaging in reckless actions without regard for personal safety.
- Talk of self-harm or suicide – expressing feelings of hopelessness or a desire to harm oneself.
- Disconnection from reality – experiencing hallucinations, delusions or an inability to recognise reality.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), suicide is the third leading cause of death among South African youth, highlighting the urgent need for timely intervention.
Providing Initial Support: The “ALGEE” Approach
Mental Health First Aid outlines a 5-step action plan known as ALGEE, which stands for:
- Assess for risk of harm or suicide.
- Listen non-judgmentally.
- Give reassurance and information.
- Encourage professional help.
- Encourage self-help strategies and support.
This approach helps de-escalate the immediate crisis until professional help can be called upon.
3 Dos and 3 Don’ts
Do:
Stay calm, keep your voice low and steady and maintain open body language.
Encourage the individual to speak while you actively listen without interruption.
Ask open-ended questions like, “How can I support you right now?”
Don’t:
Minimise their feelings or use phrases like, “It’s all in your head.”
Make promises you can’t keep (e.g., keeping suicidal thoughts a secret).
Offer unsolicited advice or tell them what they should feel.
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If you suspect a family member or loved one is suffering, reach out to your medical doctor for sound advice. SADAG also has a suicide crisis helpline for emergencies.
Contact: 0800 567 567.
If someone is a danger to themselves or others, or if you feel unable to manage the situation, it’s important to seek help immediately.