Today, more and more people are paying attention to mental health issues and realizing their importance. However, when facing a mental health crisis, many people are still at a loss and do not know how to effectively help. Therefore, mental health first aid has become crucial.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health first aid refers to providing timely and effective support and assistance in emergency situations to help those who suffer from mental health crises restore stability and safety. Similar to physical first aid, mental health first aid also requires specialized training and appropriate skills and knowledge.
Five Steps of Mental Health First Aid
This is a set of methods used to help deal with mental health crises. The purpose of this method is to provide timely support and assistance to alleviate or prevent the deterioration of mental health crises. The following is an introduction to the five steps of mental health first aid:
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Observation and evaluation: When you notice signs of a mental health crisis in. someone, observe and evaluate the situation as soon as possible. Understand whether their behavior, language, and emotional expression indicate signs of crisis. At the same time, evaluate whether there is a potential risk of suicide.
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Talking to them: Talking to people in crisis is an important step. Expressing. concern, providing support and comfort. Listen to their feelings and confusion and encourage them to share their difficulties. The important thing is not to try to solve their problems, but to listen and understand.
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Provide support: Provide emotional support to people in crisis. Make them feel understood and accepted. Also let them know that they don't have to face problems alone. Provide encouragement and appreciation to let them know that they are important and valuable.
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Contact professional assistance: In crisis situations, seeking professional. assistance is important. Help them find suitable professional institutions or personnel, such as psychological counselors, psychiatrists, or social workers. Encouraging them to seek professional support can provide them with more help.
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Research related resources: Understand relevant mental health resources and. provide these suggestions to people in crisis. These resources can include support hotlines, consultation services, community mental health centers, etc. Providing these resources can help them obtain assistance and support more easily. Details can be viewed in the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCQgeOQSWV8 Learn more.
These five steps provide basic guidelines for dealing with a mental health crisis. However, every crisis is a drill, so ensure that each condition is treated with respect and individuality. At the same time, if you face a serious crisis, you should immediately contact emergency crisis service agencies (such as the Samaritan Suicide Prevention Society of Hong Kong, 24-hour emotional support hotline at 2389 2222) or even call the police for help.
Currently, there are social welfare organizations offering professionally recognized
"Mental Health First Aid Certificate Courses". If you are interested in learning more about how to practice mental health first aid knowledge and skills, you can browse the relevant course information of the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.
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