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Foundations of Mental Health First Aid: Supporting Others 

Young male social service worker confiding in colleague

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, but you weren’t sure what to say or how to help? As mental health issues continue to rise especially among youths, it’s becoming increasingly clear that having a solid understanding of mental health is crucial, not just for supporting others, but for our own well-being. 

For social service workers, your responsibility goes beyond offering support. You regularly interact with individuals facing challenges, whether due to homelessness, substance use, trauma, or mental health struggles. To confidently provide support to others and yourself, it’s important to have the right tools to recognize and address mental health issues with acceptance, authenticity, and empathy.  

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), an internationally recognized program in nearly 30 countries, equips you with the skills and knowledge to identify mental health and substance use challenges, to offer support, and to connect individuals with the right resources.1 By empowering you to notice signs of declining mental well-being and create safe spaces for others to be vulnerable, MHFA helps you normalize seeking professional support and fosters a journey toward mental wellness.  

The MHFA Model: A Framework for Intervention 

The MHFA training follows a clear, structured model that guides you through the process of helping someone in crisis. The ALGES stands for:2 

  • Approach the person, assess, and assist with any crisis 
  • Listen and communicate non-judgmentally. 
  • Give reassurance and information. 
  • Encourage the person to reach out to supports. 
  • Self-care for the first aider 

MHFA as a Conversation: ALGES in Practice 

Here’s how each component of the ALGES action plan is put into practice:3 

Approach the person, assess, and assist with any crisis 

  • If you notice changes in an individual’s behaviour or mood, find a suitable time and space where both you and the individual feel comfortable and safe. 
  • Before approaching, consider if it’s the right time and place to have a conversation. 
  • If you’re unsure whether to approach, simply ask the individual how they’re doing and whether it’s a good time to have a conversation. 

Listen and communicate non-judgmentally 

  • Listen carefully to both what the person says and how they say it.
  • Many people in emotional distress prefer to be listened to first before exploring solutions. 
  • Express empathy and acceptance with verbal communication. 

Give reassurance and information 

  • Provide hope and useful facts such as that they are not alone and that supports are available. 
  • Explore strategies that the person has used in the past to cope with similar feelings or situations. For example, “When you felt this way before, what are some ways that helped?” 

Encourage the person to reach out to supports 

  • Acknowledge their strength. For example, “I understand how difficult it must be for you to talk about, but even reaching out or sharing it with me shows your courage.” Or “It sounds like you’ve been through tough times before and made it through. That shows your strength and capabilities.” 
  • If the person is reluctant to talk or seek help, leave the door open for future discussions: “If you ever feel like talking more about it, you can always come to me (or other staff members if they’re comfortable).” 

Self-care for the first aider 

Use ALGE for yourself to ensure you are taking care of your well-being: 

  • Assess how you’re doing regularly. 
  • Listen to your needs non-judgmentally. 
  • Give reassurance to yourself, reminding yourself that you are not alone. 
  • Encourage yourself to reach out to others for support when needed. 

The Impact of MHFA  

In times of crisis, the right support can make all the difference. MHFA provides the skills necessary to assist others facing mental health challenges, promote early intervention, reduce stigma, and foster stronger, more resilient communities. As mental health continues to take center stage in social policy and service delivery, the principles of MHFA serve a vital resource in normalizing conversations about mental health and substance use. It also encourages you to create nonjudgmental spaces for others and, just as importantly, to practice acceptance and empathy toward yourself. 

References 

  1. Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health Commission of Canada, Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
  2. Mental Health First Aid. Opening Minds, Mental Health Commission of Canada, Accessed 18 Mar. 2025. 
  3. ALGEE: How MHFA Helps You Respond in Crisis and Non-crisis Situations. Mental Health First Aid USA, Accessed 15 Mar 2025.

Additional Resources