Mental Health First Aid: What It Is and How to Offer Support

Most of us know the basics of physical first aid, like how to clean a cut or what to do if someone sprains their ankle. But when it comes to mental health, many of us aren’t sure how to respond if a friend, family member, or colleague is struggling.

A common misconception is that you need to be a mental health professional to provide meaningful support. In reality, Mental Health First Aid is about everyday skills anyone can learn: listening, offering reassurance, and guiding someone toward help.

Before you read: We understand that the information and support we provide in this article may not be helpful for everyone. If you are in need of additional support or resources, please reach out to a professional, or connect with our team at contact@layla.care.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What Mental Health First Aid is and why it matters
• The core steps you can take if someone is struggling
• Everyday ways to create a safe space for mental health conversations

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What is Mental Health First Aid?

Just like CPR and first aid, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is about giving immediate, short-term support until professional care is available. It doesn’t replace therapy or medical treatment, it’s about offering calm, compassionate help in the moment.

Research shows that when people receive early support, it can reduce the intensity of a crisis and increase the likelihood of seeking professional help. In schools, workplaces, and communities, MHFA can make the difference between someone feeling isolated and someone feeling seen.

💡 Are you a healthcare professional? Layla offers free Mental Health First Aid training in Ontario and Alberta. Learn more here.

Core Steps of Mental Health First Aid

The Canadian MHFA model often uses the acronym ALGES, a helpful guide for how to respond with care.

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Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Approach and assess for safety: If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call emergency services right away. It’s important to ensure everyone's safe. 
• Listen without judgment: Sometimes the most powerful support is simply giving space for someone to talk. Show empathy by reflecting back what you hear and avoiding quick fixes.
• Give reassurance and information: Normalize their experience (“You’re not alone in feeling this way”) and share that help is available.
• Encourage professional help: Suggest reaching out to a therapist, doctor, or counselor. Offer to help look up resources if they feel overwhelmed.
• Support self-care: Encourage healthy coping strategies such as rest, movement, connecting with loved ones, spiritual or cultural practices, or mood-tracking to notice patterns. And remember, your own well-being matters too.

You don’t need to follow these steps perfectly. The most important part is showing up with compassion and a willingness to listen.

Everyday Ways to Create a Safe Space

Supporting mental health isn’t only about responding in a crisis. Small, everyday actions help create an environment where people feel safe to share before they reach a breaking point.

Some ways to build that safe space include:

• Checking in regularly: A simple “How are you, really?” can open the door.
• Normalizing conversations about mental health: Share your own strategies for stress management or well-being to reduce stigma.
• Being mindful of language: Avoid dismissive phrases like “Just relax” or “Get over it.”
• Offering practical support: This might mean making a meal, offering childcare, or simply being present.
• Respecting boundaries: Not everyone is ready to talk right away—let them know you’re available when they are.

These may feel like small gestures, but together they can create a culture of care where people don’t have to wait until a crisis to reach out.

Layla’s Takeaway Tips

Here are some simple reminders when practicing Mental Health First Aid:

• Listening with empathy often matters more than finding “the right words.”
• Early support can prevent a crisis from escalating.
• Normalize mental health conversations in your everyday life.
• Encourage professional support when needed.
• Don’t forget to care for yourself, too.

A message from Layla

If you, or someone you know requires any immediate support, please reach out to a professional, or click here to explore our crisis and community resources. If you’d like to inquire about finding mental health support that’s right for you, a member of our team is happy to assist you. You can email us at contact@layla.care for any inquiries, or complete our intake form to reach out to a member of our care team.

Free Training for Healthcare Professionals

At Layla, we know frontline healthcare workers play a vital role in supporting mental health every day. That’s why we offer Mental Health First Aid training at no cost to patient-facing professionals in Ontario and Alberta.

This evidence-based program, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, helps healthcare professionals:

• Recognize early signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
• Build confidence in starting supportive conversations
• Learn safe and ethical intervention strategies
• Develop skills for patient-centered care

Training is delivered virtually in two 3-hour sessions by a certified MHFA facilitator. Participants receive an official MHFA certificate upon completion.

👉 Interested? Click here to learn more and register.

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