Mental health first aid is a set of techniques developed by mental health providers in Australia in the early 2000s. They developed this methodology as a way of diffusing basic mental healthcare techniques to the general population so that they could be better equipped to respond to emotional problems—especially depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Mental health first aid has a number of steps that include the following, which can be used in any order.

A – Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm. Try to find a suitable time or place to start the conversation with the person, keeping their privacy and confidentiality in mind. If the person does not want to confide in you, encourage them to talk to someone they trust.

L – Listen non-judgmentally. Many people experiencing a challenge or distress want to be heard first, so let the person share without interrupting them. Try to have empathy for their situation. You can get the conversation started by saying something like, “I noticed that …” Try to be accepting, even if you don’t agree with what they are saying.

G – Give reassurance and information. After someone has shared their experiences and emotions with you, be ready to provide hope and useful facts.

E – Encourage appropriate professional help. The earlier someone gets help, the better their chances of recovery. So, it’s important to offer to help this person learn more about the options available to them.

E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies. This includes helping them identify their support network, programs within the community, and creating a personalized emotional and physical self-care plan.