Today, mental health crises are more prevalent than ever before. Whether it’s the effects of long-term stress, anxiety, or unexpected traumatic events, knowing how to respond during a mental health emergency is critical. Mental health first aid offers a practical and compassionate approach to providing immediate support, much like how physical first aid addresses injuries.

This article will explore the key role first aid can play in mental health crises, including practical techniques to calm someone in distress and when to seek professional help.

Understanding Mental Health Crises

A mental health crisis can happen to anyone, at any time. It occurs when someone’s emotional or psychological well-being deteriorates to the point where they are unable to cope with daily life or their own safety is at risk. These crises can be triggered by various factors, such as overwhelming stress, trauma, grief, or ongoing mental health issues.

Some common examples of mental health crises include:

• Panic attacks- where someone feels overwhelming fear or dread.
• Suicidal ideation- where the individual may contemplate or attempt to take their life.
• Psychotic episodes- where a person may lose touch with reality and experience delusions or hallucinations.

Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis

One of the most important aspects of mental health first aid is recognizing when someone is in crisis. Early identification allows you to intervene and offer support before the situation escalates.

While not everyone expresses distress in the same way, there are common signs to look for, such as:

• Behavioral changes- like withdrawing from social interaction or appearing unusually agitated.
• Physical signs- such as trembling, sweating, or rapid breathing.
• Verbal cues- including expressions of hopelessness, fear, or thoughts of self-harm.

When Kellie’s housemate came home from work one day, she noticed their behaviour seemed off. As a trained Mental Health First Aider, Kellie could recognize that something wasn’t right.

First Aid Response

Calm and Comfort

Once you’ve recognized a mental health crisis, the next step is to offer immediate support. At this stage, your focus should be on de-escalating the situation and ensuring the person feels understood. Here are some practical ways to do this:

• Stay Calm: Your calm energy can help reduce a person’s stress. Avoid sudden movements or raising your voice.
• Use Active Listening: Often, people in crisis need someone to listen without judgment. Let them express their emotions and thoughts, and resist the urge to offer quick solutions.
• Reassurance: Phrases like “I’m here for you” or “You’re not alone” can help someone feel safe and supported.

“Deep breathing is our nervous system’s love language.” — Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy

Grounding Techniques

Practical Tools for Anxiety and Stress

In some mental health crises, especially those involving extreme anxiety or panic, grounding techniques can be incredibly helpful. Grounding helps individuals focus on the present moment, which can reduce feelings of fear or dissociation. 

Examples of grounding techniques:

• Deep Breathing: Guide the person to take slow, deep breaths, counting in for four seconds and out for four seconds. This helps regulate the nervous system and calm the mind.
• 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Encourage the person to identify five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. This distracts the mind from overwhelming thoughts.

Creating a Safe Space

In any mental health crisis, the environment can significantly impact the individual’s emotional state. Making the surroundings feel safer can help ease the person’s distress. 

Here are a few strategies:

• Reduce Stimuli: Loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces can heighten anxiety. Moving the person to a quieter area can help.
• Remove Potential Dangers: If there’s any risk of self-harm, ensure that harmful objects (e.g., sharp items or medications) are safely out of reach.
• Offer Simple Choices: Giving the person a sense of control can help ground them. For example, ask if they would prefer to sit or stand, or whether they want a glass of water.

Creating safe spaces is so important. 

“Safe spaces aren’t about bricks and mortar — they’re about the human interactions in the space” – Lara Rae.

When to Seek Professional Help

While mental health first aid provides immediate support, there are times when professional intervention is critical. Knowing when to contact emergency services or a mental health professional can prevent further harm. 

Situations where you should seek immediate help include:

• The person is talking about suicide or showing self-harm behaviors.
• The individual is experiencing hallucinations or severe delusions.
• There’s a risk of harm to themselves or others.

When contacting emergency services, explain the situation clearly and stay with the individual until help arrives. Remember, in some cases, the person may resist help, but your role is to ensure they receive the care they need.

“Crisis hotlines serve as a core part of the mental health safety net, ensuring that care is available during a crisis”, noted Kimberly Williams, President and CEO of Vibrant Emotional Health.

After the Crisis

Providing Ongoing Support

Once the immediate crisis has passed, the person may need ongoing support to recover. Mental health recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and your continued presence can make a significant difference. 

Encourage the individual to seek further help from mental health professionals, whether that’s therapy, counseling, or support groups. Offer to help them find resources or make appointments if needed, but also respect their boundaries as they process what they’ve experienced.

Why Mental Health First Aid Training is Essential

Just as CPR or basic first aid can save lives, mental health first aid equips people with the skills to respond to psychological emergencies. These courses teach you how to recognize the signs of a crisis, how to provide immediate support, and how to connect individuals with the help they need.

At First Aid 4U, we offer specialized mental health first aid courses that prepare individuals to respond confidently and compassionately. With mental health crises on the rise, this training is more important than ever.

Empowering Yourself to Support Mental Health

Mental health first aid is a crucial skill in today’s world. By learning to recognize the signs of a crisis, offering calm support, and knowing when to seek professional help, you can be a lifeline for someone in need. 

If you’re interested in learning more or becoming certified in mental health first aid, consider enrolling in First Aid 4U’s Mental Health First Aid Course. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those experiencing mental health challenges.