Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), explained simply:
It’s like traditional first aid — but for mental health. Instead of learning how to help someone with a cut, burn, or broken bone, you learn how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, crisis, or developing problem.
What it is:
- An educational program that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use challenges.
- Not therapy or treatment — it’s about offering initial support until appropriate professional help is available (or until the crisis resolves).
Key Goals:
Recognize warning signs of mental health or substance use issues.
Provide reassurance and support in a nonjudgmental way.
Encourage appropriate professional help (therapist, doctor, counselor).
Promote self-help strategies (coping skills, community resources).
What you learn:
IF YOU ARE FEELING SUCIDAL PLEASE GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL, E.R., OR CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY NUMBER and ASK FOR HELP, ASAP.
What will the Hospital Emergency Room do for a mental health crisis?
Assessment: A complete assessment will be done to understand the person’s mental health status, medical history, and any immediate risks. This process may involve interviews, medical physical exams, and maybe laboratory tests. Intervention: The Treatment might include crisis intervention techniques, medication, and observation.
MHFA courses usually cover:
- Common mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use, trauma).
- Crisis situations (panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, overdose).
- A structured action plan, often summarized as ALGEE:
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage professional help
- Encourage self-help and other supports
Who it’s for:
- Anyone — not just healthcare workers. It’s designed for teachers, parents, coworkers, first responders, and community members.
Why it matters:
- Mental health challenges are common, but stigma often stops people from reaching out.
- MHFA helps reduce stigma, increases understanding, and empowers people to step in confidently when someone needs support.
Think of it as “CPR for the mind” — a way for ordinary people to be the first line of support in a mental health emergency.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 