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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID USA

PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


IN-PERSON DELIVERY

MHFA.ORG | THENATIONALCOUNCIL.ORG
Mental Health First Aid® USA ©2021. National Council for Behavioral Health
d/b/a National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
ISBN: 978-0-9600905-9-4

This Mental Health First Aid material has been adapted from MHFA
International materials, under license from Mental Health First Aid
International. For further information, contact MHFA International:
www.mhfa.com.au

This document also incorporates materials from the National Council for
Mental Wellbeing. This added content is owned and copyrighted by the
National Council for Mental Wellbeing and cannot be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, transmitted, or distributed in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the
proper permission from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording or otherwise — without prior permission. To
obtain permission, contact the National Council for Mental Wellbeing at the
address below.

National Council for Mental Wellbeing


1400 K Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
202-684-7457

www.MHFA.org
www.TheNationalCouncil.org
WELCOME LEARNERS!
Dear Participant:

We are delighted that you have chosen to become a Mental Health First Aider.

Your dedication to the program will greatly impact the lives of people living with mental health
challenges.

More than 20 million Americans experience a mental health challenge in any given year. In a world
that sometimes makes it feel impossible to ask for help, it’s up to all of us to know when and how to
offer it.

During this course, you will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential
mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may
be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer someone to appropriate professional
support and services.

By taking this course, you are joining millions of people who have made the commitment to

#BeTheDifference in the lives of those living with mental health challenges.

Thank you again for your dedication. Best of luck to you as you begin your journey to becoming a
Mental Health First Aider.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Call to Action........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Participant Rights and Responsibilities.......................................................................................................................................6

Course Objectives.................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

In-person Course Outline...................................................................................................................................................................8

Our Values and How We Developed The Curriculum..........................................................................................................9

Segment 1................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Segment 2............................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Segment 3.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

Segment 4.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 24

Segment 5.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32

Segment 6.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 36

Segment 7.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 42

Segment 8.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 48

Segment 9.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 54

Segment 10.............................................................................................................................................................................................75

Reflection................................................................................................................................................................................................ 79

Resources................................................................................................................................................................................................80

Notes.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81

4 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


CALL TO ACTION

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

When you use the skills you learn in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), you are the first line of
support for a person in need. You are there to help them feel less distressed and you can be a
vital source in helping them seek further assistance.

Your body language, what you say, and how well you listen can have a powerful impact. The
quality and type of support you offer through listening can enhance coping and self-esteem.
With an accurate view of mental health challenges and using a strengths-based holistic
perspective, you can help others to help themselves.

You can also be an advocate, empower your community, and improve self-care. As a Mental
Health First Aider, you can be the one to make a difference in the life of someone with a
mental health challenge. Your actions can be a first step in someone’s recovery journey.

#BETHEDIFFERENCE
THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THIS MOVEMENT!

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 5


PARTICIPANT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Mental Health First Aid USA’s mission is to provide high quality, evidence-based education so
everyone has the first aid skills to support people with mental health challenges. This is only possible
in training environments that foster nonjudgmental communication and understanding and reduce
the stigma around mental health challenges. Participants play critical roles in establishing these
environments by adhering to the following Participant Rights and Responsibilities.

PARTICIPANTS HAVE THE RIGHT TO:


• A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT. The learning environment will be conducive to open
dialogue and communication and will be free from harassment or discrimination on the basis
of race, religion, color, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or culture.
• CLEAR AND CONSISTENT INSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION. Course objectives, requirements,
and evaluation criteria will be clearly communicated to participants by the Instructor before
instruction begins.
• EQUAL ACCESS OF RESOURCES AND LEARNING MATERIALS. If a participant requires an
ADA accommodation for instruction or instructional materials, they must complete an
Accommodation Request Form and submit it to the Instructor no less than five business days
before the course start date.
• HAVE GRIEVANCES ADDRESSED APPROPRIATELY. If a participant has a grievance that can be
addressed by the Instructor, the participant should make the Instructor aware of the grievance
as soon as possible. If a participant has a grievance that cannot or has not been addressed by
the Instructor, they should visit MHFA.org or contact the central office at:
» The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
1400 K Street, NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20005
202-684-7457

PARTICIPANTS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:


• PARTICIPATE. Actively participate and remain engaged in the learning process for the duration
of the course. Learners are encouraged to participate in every activity but may opt out of
activities that make them uncomfortable.
• BE RESPECTFUL. Openly respect the viewpoints of others, regardless of whether the
participant accepts or agrees with these viewpoints.
• ASK FOR HELP. Seek help or clarification for any instructional material that is unclear. Request
accommodations in advance of the course start date.
• BE PRESENT. Attend at least 90% of the course and participate in at least 70% of the activities
in order to receive a certificate.

6 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


COURSE OBJECTIVES
The 7.5-hour Adult Mental Health First Aid Course focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts,
feelings, behaviors, and appearance that show there might be a mental health challenge. Learners are
taught an Action Plan that they apply to non-crisis and crisis situations.

BY THE END OF THE COURSE, LEARNERS WILL:


• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.
• Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of
American adults.
• Explain that recovery from a mental health or substance use challenge is possible.
• Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the
person receiving first aid.
• Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults.
• Evaluate the impact of early intervention on mental health and substance use challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a non-crisis
scenario where a person shows early signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a non-
crisis scenario where a person shows worsening signs of a mental health or substance use
challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a crisis
scenario where a person shows signs of a mental health or substance use crisis.
• Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid
in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 7


IN-PERSON COURSE OUTLINE
The Mental Health First Aid 7.5-hour live, Instructor-led training consists of 10 learning segments.

SEGMENT LEARNING OBJECTIVE

1 WELCOME TO MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID


• Provide an overview of the course.
• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental
Health First Aider
2 MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL DISORDERS
• Identify the impact of mental health challenges on the wellbeing of adults in
the United States.
• Explain that recovery from a mental health challenge is possible.
3 ROLE OF THE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER AND SELF-CARE
• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental
Health First Aider.
• Identify the importance of self-care.
4 COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS IN THE UNITED STATES
• Increase awareness of common mental disorders in the United States.
• Review the scope and role of a Mental Health First Aider.
5 RECOGNIZING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may
impact adults.
BREAK

6 ALGEE: MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID ACTION PLAN


• Learn the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
7 MHFA FOR EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Learn the impact of early intervention on mental health challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
(ALGEE) when a person shows early signs of a mental health challenge.
8 MHFA FOR WORSENING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) when a person
shows worsening signs of a mental health challenge.
9 MHFA FOR CRISIS SITUATIONS
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) in crisis
situations.
10 SELF-CARE FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER
• Learn how to choose appropriate methods for self-care following the
application of Mental Health First Aid inNOTE:
INSTRUCTOR a crisis or non-crisis situation.

8 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


OUR VALUES AND HOW WE DEVELOPED
THE CURRICULUM
Mental Health First Aid developed the curriculum carefully to reflect
our commitment to equity and justice.

MHFA affirms that unfair and unjust institutions have prevailed in our communities. These include
a lack of proper funding for education and health care services; covert and overt violence, and
resulting immediate, historical, and intergenerational trauma; egregious barriers to critical resources;
and more. When noting that health inequities are present, Mental Health First Aiders should not draw
conclusions about the group or community where health outcomes are not optimal. Health inequities
do not result from individual choices. Rather, they stem from systemic forces. Assumptions about a
group’s values, efforts, abilities, strengths, health behaviors, health choices, resilience, and well-being
are not useful.

Further, MHFA believes that scientific and health research and data collection should include all
genders to amplify the experience, rights, and needs of all members of our communities. We note
that to date, health and science research often does not use a framework that includes people of all
genders but rather the binary of woman/man in data collection.

Health inequities should not be used to draw conclusions about a group or community’s:

VALUES

EFFORTS

ABILITIES

STRENGTHS

HEALTH BEHAVIORS

HEALTH CHOICES

RESILIENCE

WELLBEING

Mental Health First Aid USA wrote and chose scenarios and videos to elevate the visibility of varying
identities, perspectives, challenges, and stories of learners and Instructors in communities across the
United States. The stories and characters in the scenarios and videos are not meant to be used for
generalizations about communities or for confirmation of stereotypes.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 9


SEGMENT 1:
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION TO
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Provide an overview of the course.
• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First
Aid and the role of the Mental Health First
Aider.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• An “Awkward Conversation.”
• Mental Health First Aid.
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan.
• Health and Culture.
• Your role as a Mental Health First Aider.

MY INNER SCREAM • Support Resources.

“After experiencing anxiety and


depression for more than a decade, I
still have to remind myself in moments
of panic or sadness: This moment
will pass. It is easy to get lost in the
overwhelming ebbs and flows of mental
health disorders; however, I work hard
to find balance every day and not judge
myself in the process. Artistic expression,
specifically ceramics, is one tool I use to
process the ups and downs of my mental
health. I often illustrate symptoms,
coping mechanisms, challenges and even
strengths I have because of my mental
health on the surfaces of my pottery.”

ELLA SCHEURELL

10 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE TAKE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

VIDEO: “THE AWKWARD CONVERSATION”

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 11


HOW ARE HEALTH AND BELONGING TO A CULTURE
CULTURE CONNECTED? IMPACTS:
• Our Health Choices
• What Health Means to Us
• What We Think Causes Good & Bad
Health
• Who We Go to for Support Our
Values About Health and Health
Care
• Our Behaviors

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AS A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER?

12 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to an adult experiencing a mental health challenge.
• Mental Health First Aiders do not diagnose themselves or others. Rather, they observe
changes in behaviors and offer a nonjudgmental listening ear.
• Mental Health First Aid does not supersede any professional, legal, or organizational
obligations that a Mental Health First Aider may be bound by.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 13


SEGMENT 2:
MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL
DISORDERS

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Identify the impact of mental health
challenges on the wellbeing of adults in the
United States.
• Explain that recovery from a mental health
challenge is possible.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Stigma.
• Person-first language.
• Mental wellness, mental health, challenge,
mental disorder.
• Disability.
AGIOS TREE
• Risk factors and protective factors.
“I continue to use this motif, which
• Recovery.
depicts myself as a flawed individual.
‘Agios Tree,’ depicts how adaptable and
constant nature can be, and what I strive
to achieve.”

TIMOTHY AMUSSEN

14 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WORDS MATTER: WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF PERSON-FIRST
LANGUAGE?

HOW CAN PEOPLE WORK TOWARD POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH?

Worsening
WHAT IS A MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE? Early
Signs and
Signs and
Symptoms
Symptoms

Crisis
Signs and
Symptoms
M
EN
CH TA
AL L H
LE EA
N LT Diagnosed
GE H with Mental
Illness/Mental
Disorder

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 15


WHAT IS A MENTAL DISORDER? WHO ARE THE PROFESSIONALS THAT
CAN DIAGNOSE?

WHY IS EARLY INTERVENTION IMPORTANT FOR MENTAL HEALTH


CHALLENGES?

WHAT ARE SOME BARRIERS TO PEOPLE GETTING CARE IN YOUR


COMMUNITY?

16 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT IS A DISABILITY?

WHAT IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DISABILITY IN THE UNITED STATES?

A. Cardiovascular diseases

B. Circulatory diseases

C. Abnormal tissue growth (such as cancer)

D. Neuropsychiatric disorders
(mental disorders, behavioral disorders, neurological disorders)

WHAT ARE RISK FACTORS AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 17


HOW DO WE SHOW SUPPORT?

EMILY CARLOS

WHY DO DIFFERENCES EXIST BETWEEN HOW WE MAY SUPPORT EMILY


AND HOW WE MAY SUPPORT CARLOS?

WHAT DOES RECOVERY LOOK LIKE?

18 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Reducing stigma is an important part of being a Mental Health First Aider.


• Mental health is a state of wellbeing in which a person can realize their abilities, can cope with
the stresses of life, can work productively, and can contribute to their community.
• Our health beliefs and health behaviors are connected to our culture.
• "Mental health challenge" is an umbrella term that captures people experiencing early warning
signs and symptoms, worsening signs and symptoms, and crisis signs and symptoms. This
umbrella term also includes people who have been diagnosed by a professional with a mental
disorder.
• Mental disorders are a diagnosable condition that affects a person’s emotional state and
behavior. Mental Health First Aiders do not diagnose.
• There can be significant impact from being diagnosed with a mental disorder, including
disability. Additionally, there are gaps in treatment in our communities.
• Trauma is a powerful risk factor. Protective factors are the counter to risk factors.
• Recovery is achievable and attainable for many people who have experienced a mental health
challenge.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 19


SEGMENT 3:
ROLE OF THE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST
AIDER AND SELF-CARE

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First
Aid and the role of the Mental Health First
Aider.
• Identify the importance of self-care.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Scope of a Mental Health First Aider.
• When and how to use ALGEE.
• Self-care.
• Self-care Action Plan.

IN THE BEGINNING

“In 1988, I was diagnosed with bipolar


disorder. This painting is one of my
abstracts: ‘Hope.’ It is difficult to tell what
is going on there. As an abstract, they
are about the expression itself. Themes
of weariness and suffering are softened
by ideas of peace and brotherhood. I
look forward to continuing my art, as I
find solace and expression in the artistic
process."

DANIEL KASPERICK

20 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER?

ALGEE: WHEN AND HOW

WHAT IS SELF-CARE? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 21


DEVELOP YOUR SELF-CARE ACTION PLAN BY BRAINSTORMING
PEOPLE, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES WITHIN EACH DOMAIN.

Intellectual

Occupational
Emotional

SELF-CARE
Community ACTION Environment

PLAN

Financial Physical

Spiritual

22 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mental Health First Aiders do not diagnose, do not treat, and consider safety before engaging
with the MHFA Action Plan.
• Self-care is an important part of being a Mental Health First Aider. Self-care is important
because it:
» Can help individuals be more effective Mental Health First Aiders.
» Can promote mental health.
» Can impact how a person navigates a mental health challenge.
» Can support a person’s recovery road.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 23


SEGMENT 4:
COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS IN THE
UNITED STATES

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• Increase awareness of common mental
disorders in the United States.
• Review the scope and role of a Mental Health
First Aider.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Common mental disorders.

BALANCE

“I have been diagnosed with bipolar


disorder, ADHD, and PTSD. It has
been a struggle to receive continued
health care and afford my medication.
Because of this, I turned to self-
medicating with illegal drugs, which led
to my incarceration in 2014. When I was
arrested, I was without medication. Due
to the inability to be stable, I was put in
solitairy confinement for more than a
month. Still without medication during
this time, I turned to art. Drawing helped
me escape my isolation and took me to
another place. It has been an effective
coping tool for me, and I am blessed to
share my work with others.”

CHRISTOPHER WAYNE HARRIS

24 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT IS SELF-CARE? WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 25


MENTAL DISORDERS GALLERY WALK
This exercise gives you the opportunity to take a deeper dive into the 2020 Manual and helps you
learn more about mental health disorders.

Skim the chapter on your assigned mental disorder and create a poster with your group that conveys
important information about the disorder. This information should include:
• A description of the disorder.
• A description of how a person experiencing the disorder may look, feel, behave, and think.
• Crises associated with the disorder (suicide, overdose, panic attack, etc.).
• One risk factor and one protective factor for the disorder.
• A resource to get help with the disorder.

Be sure to clearly label your poster with your assigned mental disorder.

Use the space below to document ONE key takeaway from your classmates’ posters. You do not
need to fill in the space for your assigned chapter.

DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

PTSD ANXIETY DISORDERS

BIPOLAR DISORDERS PSYCHOSIS

EATING DISORDERS

26 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS
Depression is sad or low mood that persists for at least two weeks.

Some risk factors: Crises associated with depression:


• History of trauma • Nonsuicidal self-injury
• Family history • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Previous episodes
• Gender
• Sensitivity QUICK FACTS:
• Social circumstances
• May and can recur.
• Medical conditions or medications
• Between 80-90% of people with depression
have a positive outcome with treatment.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS


A substance use disorder is a “pattern of using alcohol or another substance that
results in impairment in daily life or noticeable distress” (APA, 2013).

Some risk factors: Potential crises:


• Genetic predisposition • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors • Medical emergencies
• Exposure to physical, sexual,
or emotional abuse or trauma
• Other mental disorders
QUICK FACTS:
• Substance use in the family or
among peers • People with anxiety or depression are more likely to
• Access to an addictive develop a substance use disorder.
substance • 172 people died from drug overdoses every day in 2017.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 27


POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a disorder that can occur after a person
has experienced a traumatic event.

A person can experience one event that has a lifetime impact on their overall wellbeing and their
capacity to cope. For another person, the impact of trauma may build up over time through a series
of traumatic events before an impact is identified.

Potential crises:
• Nonsuicidal self-injury QUICK FACTS:
• Suicidal thoughts and • It is typical to have a negative reaction after a traumatic event,
behaviors but a person may be diagnosed with PTSD when they are
• Psychosis unable to cope with the traumatic experience for more than
• Substance use four weeks.

ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety is a feeling of worry caused by perceived threats in the environment.

Some risk factors: Crises associated with anxiety:


• Sensitivity • Nonsuicidal self-injury • Suicidal thoughts and
• Childhood anxiety • Panic attack behaviors
• Adverse childhood experiences
• Traumatic experiences
• Gender QUICK FACTS:
• Alcohol misuse
• Family and relationship • More than half of Americans with anxiety will experience
instability their first episode by age 11.
• Certain medical conditions • More than 1 in 6 American adults between the ages of
and medications 18 and 54 experience an anxiety disorder in a given year.

28 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder is an illness characterized by extreme swings in mood, energy, and activity level.

It appears that there is no single cause of bipolar disorder, but rather that both genes
(heredity) and other factors play a role. There are different types of bipolar disorder.

Potential crises:
• Nonsuicidal self-injury QUICK FACTS:
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors • Half of all people with bipolar disorder will have had
• Psychosis their first episode by age 25.
• Substance use • 2 out of every 100 adults living in the United States
experience bipolar disorder every year.

PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS
Psychosis is a condition in which a person has lost some contact with reality.

The person may have severe disturbances in thinking, emotion, and behavior.
Psychosis usually occurs in episodes and is not a constant or static condition.

Disorders that can feature


psychosis: QUICK FACTS:
• Schizoaffective disorder • 3 in 100 will experience psychosis in their lives.
• Bipolar disorder • First episode of psychosis usually occurs between ages 15
• Substance use disorders and 25.
• Schizophrenia • Early intervention is key to improving outcomes.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 29


EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders are serious illnesses in which people have severe disturbances in their eating
behaviors and distorted thoughts and emotions about how their body looks or feels.

Some risk factors: Potential crises:


• Adverse childhood experiences • Nonsuicidal self-injury • Medical emergencies
• Sexual violence or abuse • Suicidal thoughts and
• Family history of dieting behaviors
• Anxiety
• Sensitivity to critical QUICK FACTS:
comments from others about
eating, weight, or body shape • One eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, has the highest
• Pressure to be a certain body mortality rate of any mental disorder: 10%.
type (from one’s job or • Less than a third of the people with anorexia nervosa
pastimes) receive treatment.

30 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• An important part of being a Mental Health First Aider is to notice signs and symptoms. We
do not diagnose or treat.
• It is important to not confuse feelings with diagnosable medical conditions (e.g., feeling
depressed vs. depressive disorders; feeling nervous vs. anxiety disorders).

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 31


SEGMENT 5:
RECOGNIZING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental
health challenges that may impact adults.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• The difference between signs and symptoms.
• When signs and symptoms become a
challenge.
• Recognizing signs and symptoms:
» How a person may appear.
» How a person may behave.
HEART TASTING: » How a person may feel.
PROCESSING TRAUMA
» How a person may think.
“This piece is a semblance of my trauma
and healing experiences. Processing
trauma and growing in self-awareness is
a journey that takes years of unraveling,
questioning, researching, listening, and
educating. In my experience with trauma,
there were many voices that pressured,
brainwashed, gaslighted, and shamed
me. The voices of support, compassion,
openness, and understanding have
been invaluable to the healing process.
Ultimately, ‘Heart Tasting’ helped me trust
my own experiences, motives, and voice
again.”

SARAH TANG

32 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SIGN AND A SYMPTOM?

A-Z: WHICH OF THESE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MIGHT WE NOTICE IF


SOMEONE WAS: HAVING A BAD DAY? EXPERIENCING A PHYSICAL HEALTH
CHALLENGE?

WHEN DO SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH


CHALLENGE?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 33


EARLY SIGNS WORSENING SIGNS CRISIS SIGNS

• Tired looking. • Declining personal • Excessive vomiting.


• Disheveled clothing. hygiene. • Difficulty breathing.
• Appearing more • Highly agitated. • Overdosing on drugs
unkempt than usual • Withdrawal from or alcohol.
APPEARANCE
for the individual. others.

EARLY SIGNS WORSENING SIGNS CRISIS SIGNS

• An emerging pattern • Withdrawing from • Threatening to hurt


of showing up late for family and friends. or kill themselves or
or cancelling personal • Absenteeism or others.
and professional “presenteeism.” • Acting recklessly
commitments. or engaging in risk
BEHAVIORS • Odd or erratic
behavior. behavior.
• Drug or alcohol
misuse.

EARLY SIGNS WORSENING SIGNS CRISIS SIGNS

• No longer enjoying • Increasing sadness. • Dramatic changes in


work, activities, or • Increasing worry. mood.
hobbies. • Feeling trapped, like
• Hopelessness.
• Sadness. there is no way out.
• Rage.
FEELINGS • Worry.
• Despair.

EARLY SIGNS WORSENING SIGNS CRISIS SIGNS

• Difficulty • Increasing self-blame • Thoughts of self-


concentrating or or self-criticism. harm.
focusing at home, • Distorted bodyimage. • Hopelessness.
school, or work.
• Racing thoughts or • Delusional thinking.
THOUGHTS • Indecisiveness. mind going blank. • Hallucinations.

34 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Signs are observable and measurable. Symptoms are not observable.


• An important part of being a Mental Health First Aider is to notice signs and symptoms. We
do not diagnose or treat.
• As Mental Health First Aiders, we can notice signs and symptoms across four domains:
appearance, behaviors, feelings, and thoughts.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 35


SEGMENT 6:
ALGEE: MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
ACTION PLAN

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
• Learn the 5 steps of the Mental Health First
Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).

DAISY IN MAY

“My journey with mental health has


always been chaotic. It felt like thoughts
and delusions were constantly running
my mind, especially every spring. I didn’t
know what was fact or fiction. The flower
is what came to be through the layers of
turmoil and years of pain. I want to stand
tall with my illness — like this bold flower
shows — because only I truly know what
it took to get here. Now, I hope to help
those who are suffering and let them
know that something may blossom from
the chaos they are currently in.”

SARAH MONTGOMERY

36 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


AA
ENCOURAGE APPROACH
self-help and other assess for risk of
support strategies. suicide or harm,
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID? and assist.

E
L
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID ACTION PLAN
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen nonjudgmentally.
Assess
ENCOURAGE
appropriate LISTEN
• Give reassurance and information. professional nonjudgmentally.
help.
• Encourage appropriate professional help.
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
E GIVE

G
reassurance and
information.

WHAT ARE HELPFUL AND UNHELPFUL APPROACHES?


I understand and know exactly what you are Is something bothering you?
going through. That happened to me two
years ago. You haven’t been joining us lately at coffee
break — are you okay?
I am concerned about you.
It’s hard for me to understand exactly what
You’ll get over it, you’ve just got to ignore it you are going through, but I can see that it’s
and get on with life. distressing for you.

You’ ll feel differently tomorrow. Let’s go and have a cup of tea.

It’s such a beautiful day outside. How can you Something seems to be bothering you.
feel so sad? Do you want to talk about it?

How long have you been feeling like this? I’d like to stop and talk, but I’ve got to go. I’ll
give you a call later.
Have you spoken to anyone about this
before? You’re here to work and have a job to do. It is
time to get on with it.
Pull yourself together.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF VERBAL AND NON-VERBAL CUES TO


DEMONSTRATE LISTENING?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 37


HOW DOES CULTURE INTERSECT WITH HOW WE COMMUNICATE AND
LISTEN?

THINK ABOUT A TIME YOU FELT REASSURED BY SOMEONE. CIRCLE THE


ACTIONS THEY USED TO PROVIDE YOU REASSURANCE.

• Had realistic expectations about what • Gave you hope.


you were going through.
• Gave advice.
• Made promises they couldn’t keep.
• Tried to fix the problem themselves.
• Dismissed the problem or emotions.
• Provided practical help.
• Focused on what was the “right” or
“wrong” thing to do. • Made light of or made fun of the
problem.
• Offered consistent emotional support.
• Provided information.
• Acknowledged the limits of what they
could do. • Talked in a sarcastic, hostile, or
patronizing way.

38 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHO ARE THE PROFESSIONALS WE COULD ENCOURAGE SOMEONE
TO CONNECT TO IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH
CHALLENGE?

WHAT SHOULD A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER DO IF SOMEONE DOES


NOT WANT TO CONNECT WITH PROFESSIONAL HELP?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 39


WHAT PEOPLE, PROGRAMS, AND ACTIVITIES MAY BE HELPFUL FOR A
PERSON WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE?

PEOPLE PROGRAMS ACTIVITIES

40 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) is a non-linear plan. Action A involves
assessing for crises. If the person is determined to not be in crisis, you may move to other
parts of the Action Plan.
• Use verbal and non-verbal cues to convey nonjudgmental listening.
• Giving reassurance and information is not the same as giving advice.
• Reassurance is a statement or action taken to help remove a person’s fear.
• Information is a set of facts given about a specific topic.
• There are many types of professionals who can help and a wide variety of treatments available
to help a person recover from a mental health challenge.
• There are a wide range of self-help and coping strategies that are effective.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 41


SEGMENT 7:
MHFA FOR EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
• Learn the impact of early intervention on
mental health challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental
Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) when a
person shows early signs of a mental health
challenge.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Importance of early intervention.
• Early signs and symptoms.
• Apply ALGEE to non-crisis situations.

IN AMONGST THE ASHES

"I created this piece when I was in the


midst of a difficult depressive episode as
part of the bipolar disorder I live with. The
heart is shattered but being held together
among the pain, because I have learned
many new skills to help me cope with the
ups and downs of my illness. I created this
piece when I felt like I was barely holding
it together. I had experienced a significant
loss, as well, and this piece reflects that.
Art is a way for me to divert my excess
energy or negative feelings in a positive
way, and it often helps me communicate
those feelings to providers in ways that I
wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”

KIMBERLY FRENTHEWAY

42 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT IS EARLY INTERVENTION?

WHY IS EARLY INTERVENTION IMPORTANT?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 43


VIDEO: “BOXING: PART 1”

CHECK THE EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS YOU NOTICE.

APPEARANCE

… Tired looking.

… Disheveled clothing.

… Appearing more unkempt than usual for the individual.

BEHAVIOR

… An emerging pattern of showing up late for or cancelling personal and


professional commitments.

FEELINGS

… No longer enjoying work, activities, or hobbies.

… Sadness.

… Worry.

THOUGHTS

… Difficulty concentrating or focusing at home, school, or work.

… Indecisiveness.

WHAT ADDITIONAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS DID YOU NOTICE?

44 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


VIDEO: “BOXING: PART 1”

WHAT STEPS OF THE ACTION PLAN ARE DEMONSTRATED? BY WHOM?

HELPFUL UNHELPFUL

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 45


SCENARIO 1:
EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

ASSESS: IS THE PERSON IN CRISIS? HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH THE PERSON?

LISTEN: WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SHOW NONJUDGMENTAL LISTENING?

GIVE: WHAT REASSURANCE AND INFORMATION WOULD YOU GIVE IN THIS SCENARIO?

ENCOURAGE: HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL HELP?

ENCOURAGE: HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SELF-HELP AND OTHER SUPPORT


STRATEGIES?

46 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) is a non-linear plan. MHFA is most effective
as an early intervention.
• Typically, the sooner you can connect a person to professional and self-help resources, the
better the outcome for the person.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 47


SEGMENT 8:
MHFA FOR WORSENING SIGNS AND
SYMPTOMS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA
Action Plan (ALGEE) when a person shows
worsening signs of a mental health challenge.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Impact of delaying treatment.
• Worsening signs and symptoms.
• Apply the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
(ALGEE) to non-crisis situations.

FIRST IMPRESSION

"I often use the creative process as


an avenue to explore and temper my
anxiety disorder. In particularly rough
times, I find it helpful to dive into an art
project that is larger than myself. That
is, to get outside of my own head and
acknowledge and appreciate the anxiety
that others feel, too. Making a connection
to the larger world helps break the cycle
of an inner-anxiety spiral.”

PETE MORELEWICZ

48 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHY DO PEOPLE DELAY GETTING TREATMENT AND SUPPORT?

FILL IN THE BLANK.

PEOPLE ARE MORE LIKELY TO SEEK

HELP IF SOMEONE CLOSE TO THEM

IT.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 49


VIDEO: “BOXING: PART 2”

CHECK THE WORSENING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS YOU NOTICE.

APPEARANCE

… Declining personal hygiene.

… Cuts or bruises in various stages of healing.

BEHAVIOR

… Withdrawing from family and friends.

… Absenteeism or “presenteeism.”

… Odd or erratic behavior.

FEELINGS

… Increasing self-blame or self-criticism.

… Distorted body image.

… Thoughts racing or mind going blank.

THOUGHTS

… Increasing sadness.

… Hopelessness or despair.

… Increasing worry.

… Anger or rage.

WHAT ADDITIONAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS DID YOU NOTICE?

50 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


VIDEO: “BOXING: PART 2”

BEFORE THE CRISIS: WHAT STEPS OF THE ACTION PLAN ARE


DEMONSTRATED? BY WHOM?

HELPFUL UNHELPFUL

AFTER THE CRISIS: HOW DID THE COACH CONTINUE TO HELP AFTER
THE CRISIS SITUATION RESOLVED?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 51


SCENARIO 2:
WORSENING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

ASSESS: IS THE PERSON IN CRISIS? HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH THE PERSON?

LISTEN: WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SHOW NONJUDGMENTAL LISTENING?

GIVE: WHAT REASSURANCE AND INFORMATION WOULD YOU GIVE IN THIS SCENARIO?

ENCOURAGE: HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL HELP?

ENCOURAGE: HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SELF-HELP AND OTHER SUPPORT


STRATEGIES?

52 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The ALGEE action plan is a non-linear plan.


• Many people have a long delay between developing a mental health challenge and getting
connected to appropriate treatment and support. The longer the delay, the more difficult the
recovery can be.
• People are more likely to seek help if someone close to them suggests it.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 53


SEGMENT 9:
MHFA FOR CRISIS SITUATIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
• Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA
Action Plan (ALGEE) in crisis situations.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Definition of a crisis.
• Considerations when reaching out.
• Types of crises.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

“I have suffered with this serious mental


illness since my early teens. Oftentimes,
I’ve felt suicidal and without hope. My
art is about the struggle and trade-
offs of remaining compliant with psych
medications. The butterfly represents
myself and those whom I can either
visit with negativity or with nurturing,
based on my given mental state. Obvious
tropes, such as the skull and flowers
balanced on opposite sides of the canvas,
represent death versus life. The fictional
medication — the huge red pill — is
levitating outside of the bottle, reflecting
my thought processes about taking it.”

GEN GAINES

54 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT IS A CRISIS?

WHAT DO FIRST AIDERS NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE REACHING OUT


IN CRISIS SITUATIONS?

WHAT ARE SOME DE-ESCALATION STRATEGIES?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 55


VIDEO: “THE NEW JOB”

CHECK THE CRISIS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS YOU NOTICE.

APPEARANCE

… Excessive vomiting.

… Difficulty breathing.

… Overdosing on drugs or alcohol.

BEHAVIOR

… Threatening to hurt or kill themselves or others.

… Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behavior.

… Drug or alcohol misuse.

FEELINGS

… Dramatic changes in mood.

… Feeling trapped, like there is no way out.

THOUGHTS

… Thoughts of self-harm.

… Hopelessness.

… Delusional thinking.

… Hallucinations.

HOW CAN A FIRST AIDER HELP A PERSON EXPERIENCING SIGNS AND


SYMPTOMS RESEMBLING A PANIC ATTACK?

56 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


VIDEO: “THE NEW JOB”

WHAT STEPS OF THE ACTION PLAN ARE DEMONSTRATED? BY WHOM?

HELPFUL UNHELPFUL

IS THIS PERSON IN A CRISIS?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 57


KEY ACTIONS TO REMEMBER WHEN TRYING TO HELP SOMEONE
EXHIBITING AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORS:

• Ensure your own safety.

• Attempt to de-escalate.

• Connect to appropriate professional help as needed.

58 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHY IS EARLY INTERVENTION FOLLOWING A TRAUMATIC EVENT
CRITICAL?

KEY ACTIONS TO REMEMBER WHEN HELPING SOMEONE IMMEDIATELY


FOLLOWING A TRAUMATIC EVENT:

• Ensure your own safety.

• Create a safe environment.

• Identify the person’s immediate needs.

TRAUMATIC EVENTS: HOW CAN A FIRST AIDER HELP OVER TIME?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 59


WHAT IS NONSUICIDAL SELF-INJURY?

KEY ACTIONS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU NOTICE SIGNS AND


SYMPTOMS OF NONSUICIDAL SELF-INJURY:

• Address your observations directly.

• Listen nonjudgmentally.

• Avoid overreacting, but address medical emergencies.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF MEDICAL EMERGENCIES?

60 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT ARE WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE?

KEY ACTIONS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU NOTICE SIGNS AND


SYMPTOMS OF NONSUICIDAL SELF-INJURY:

• Ask directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” or “Are you thinking about
suicide?”

• Work together to keep them safe for now. Consider calling the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline.

• Connect them with a professional.

• If you don’t feel as though you can keep the individual or yourself safe, get help
immediately.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 61


VIDEO: “SHINING A LIGHT: PART 1”

WHAT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DID YOU NOTICE?

APPEARANCE

BEHAVIOR

FEELINGS

THOUGHTS

62 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


VIDEO: “SHINING A LIGHT: PART 1”

WHAT STEPS OF THE ACTION PLAN ARE DEMONSTRATED? BY WHOM?

HELPFUL UNHELPFUL

IS THIS PERSON IN A CRISIS?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 63


VIDEO: “SHINING A LIGHT: PART 2”

WHAT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DID YOU NOTICE?

APPEARANCE

BEHAVIOR

FEELINGS

THOUGHTS

64 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


WHAT FEARS DID JEREMY HAVE ABOUT TALKING WITH HIS DAD?

WHAT MISINFORMATION DID JEREMY HAVE ABOUT SUICIDE?

“SHINING A LIGHT ON THAT DARK PLACE” — WHAT DID THE FRIEND


MEAN BY THAT?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 65


VIDEO: “SHINING A LIGHT: PART 3”

WHAT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DID YOU NOTICE?

APPEARANCE

BEHAVIOR

FEELINGS

THOUGHTS

66 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


VIDEO: “SHINING A LIGHT: PART 3”

WHAT STEPS OF THE ACTION PLAN ARE DEMONSTRATED? BY WHOM?

HELPFUL UNHELPFUL

IS THIS PERSON IN A CRISIS?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 67


WHAT IS AN OVERDOSE?

KEY ACTIONS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU NOTICE SIGNS AND


SYMPTOMS OF AN OVERDOSE:

• Call 911.

• Place the person in the recovery


position while you wait for help
to arrive. Do not use the recovery
position if the person has a head,
back, or neck injury.

KEY ACTIONS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU NOTICE SIGNS AND


SYMPTOMS OF A SEVERE PSYCHOTIC STATE:

• De-escalate.

• Call appropriate professional help, if necessary.

• If your safety or the safety of the person or others is at risk, get help immediately.

68 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


PSYCHOSIS: AUDITORY HALLUCINATION

PURPOSE

• To simulate the experience of auditory hallucinations.

• To practice noticing skills.

ROLES

• Mental Health First Aider


• Adult
• Script Reader

• Observer (Optional)

RULES

• Challenge by choice.
• Only read from the script.
• Maintain your typical speaking voice.

• Respect the activity and lived experience.

DIRECTIONS

• Roll a paper into a paper cone.


• Use the paper cone to speak into the adults’s ear.
• Do not deviate from or alter this script.

• Read through the script two times and switch roles.

SCRIPT

• Why are you talking to them?


• Don’t trust them.
• Why are you talking to them?
• Don’t trust them.
• Are they looking at you?
• Why would they want to talk with you?
• Do you think you can trust them?
• You can’t trust them. You can’t trust anyone.

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 69


PSYCHOSIS: AUDITORY HALLUCINATION, DEBRIEF

WHAT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DID YOU NOTICE?

APPEARANCE: HOW DID THE “ADULT” APPEAR?

BEHAVIOR: HOW DID THE “ADULT” BEHAVE?

FEELINGS: WHAT FEELINGS DID YOU NOTICE OR DID THE “ADULT” EXPRESS?

THOUGHTS: WHAT DID YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE ADULT'S THOUGHTS?

70 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


VIDEO: “NEIGHBORS”

WHAT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS DID YOU NOTICE?

APPEARANCE

BEHAVIOR

FEELINGS

THOUGHTS

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 71


VIDEO: “NEIGHBORS”

WHAT STEPS OF THE ACTION PLAN ARE DEMONSTRATED? BY WHOM?

HELPFUL UNHELPFUL

IS THIS PERSON IN A CRISIS?

72 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


SCENARIO 3:
CRISIS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

ASSESS: IS THE PERSON IN CRISIS? HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH THE PERSON?

LISTEN: WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO SHOW NONJUDGMENTAL LISTENING?

GIVE: WHAT REASSURANCE AND INFORMATION WOULD YOU GIVE IN THIS SCENARIO?

ENCOURAGE: HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL HELP?

ENCOURAGE: HOW WOULD YOU ENCOURAGE SELF-HELP AND OTHER SUPPORT


STRATEGIES?

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 73


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The following situations may become a crisis: panic attacks, aggressive behaviors, substance
misuse, following a traumatic event, NSSI.
• The following situations are an immediate crisis: medical emergency, suicidal thoughts and
behaviors, severe effects of drug or alcohol use, and severe psychotic state.
• When a Mental Health First Aider notices warning signs of suicide, it is best to ask the
question, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” or “Are you thinking of suicide?”
• More detailed information on how to respond to crises can be found in your participant
manual.

74 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


SEGMENT 10:
SELF-CARE FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH
FIRST AIDER

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
• Learn how to choose appropriate methods
for self-care following the application of
Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis
situation.

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
• Self-care.
• Recovery.
• Privacy.

I AM MORE

“In January of 2017, while in the depths of


depression, the phrase, ‘I am more than
this,’ popped into my head, and a fully
formed public art and writing project
seemed to download into my brain: ‘I Am
More.’ It combines my portraits in pastel
and colored pencil with the writing of the
portrait subject describing how they are
more than their challenges. Subjects from
ages 15 to 79 are pictured in the location
of their choice, and they describe how
they are more than their depression,
grief, PTSD, eating disorders, addiction,
cancer diagnosis and more.”

AMY KERR

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 75


HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU NEED TO REFUEL WITH SELF-CARE?

WHEN YOU NEED TO DEBRIEF DURING OR AFTER PROVIDING MHFA,


WHOM CAN YOU CONTACT FROM YOUR SELF-CARE ACTION PLAN?

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RESPECT THE PRIVACY OF THE INDIVIDUAL?

76 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


PII EXERCISE

DIRECTIONS: IDENTIFY THE PII THAT IS REVEALED IN THE SCENARIO. IN THE


SPACE PROVIDED, REWRITE IT WITHOUT REVEALING PII.

“The Executive Director of the CYWS program called me yesterday because he is


going through a tough time. I’m really worried about him, and I don’t know what to
do.”

“Sorry I was late to pickup yesterday. I was helping my friend, Sarah Kong. She was
having a panic attack, and it came out of the blue. I wanted to be there for her.”

“I can’t share names, because I want to respect their privacy, but this person is in a
leadership role within the Communications Department.”

“See email below. What was the name of the counselor that your friend went to? She
really liked her, right? I want to send my cousin information about counselors in the
area.”

“I want to get your input to see if I did the right thing. My co-worker, the one with
the four children at the same high school as your son, seems to be really sad lately.”

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 77


NOTES:

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE CRISIS TEXT LINE


• 800-273-TALK (8255) [24/7 Hotline] • Text “MHFA” to 741-741 to speak with a
• 888-628-9454 (Spanish) compassionate, trained crisis counselor,
a volunteer who has been trained to help
• 800-799-4889 (TTY) with problem-solving and will address the
• This hotline is available 24 hours a day. caller’s situation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Mental Health First Aiders can support a person in their recovery by continuing to use the
steps of MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE), if needed.
• Self-care is an important part of being a Mental Health First Aider.
• Respecting privacy is critical when debriefing with someone during or after providing support
in your role as a Mental Health First Aider.

78 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


REFLECTION

3 RESOURCES TO REMEMBER

2 THINGS I LEARNED

1 ACTION I WILL TAKE

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR MENTAL WELLBEING 79


RESOURCES

80 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: PARTICIPANT PROCESSING GUIDE


NOTES

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