Mental health crises are different from other medical emergencies, so be sure to only apply first aid techniques appropriate for these situations. First aid is a technique that can be used to help people in a mental health crisis, but only certain kinds of first aid. First aid is not a substitute for a mental health crisis, nor is it appropriate for severe mental health crises. Only provide first aid to someone who is having a major panic attack or other severe mental health crisis if they are safe and comfortable and ONLY if they have made it clear they want your help. First aid consists of emotional support and stress reduction techniques, not physical intervention; therefore do not restrain someone with depression or another mental illness who has had an episode unless this person has made it clear that restraining them would make them feel better (even then proceed with caution). If someone with depression or other mental illness has a seizure do not restrain them; stay with them until the seizure ends then offer reassurance until they recover fully.
First aid is a technique that can be used to help people in a mental health crisis, but only certain kinds of first aid.
First aid is a technique that can be used to help people in a mental health crisis, but only certain kinds of first aid. First aid is not a substitute for a mental health crisis. First aid is only appropriate for certain types of mental health crises.
First aid requires a calm and controlled environment, so it's not appropriate for most severe mental health crises or situations where there are multiple people involved and some are violent towards others (like domestic violence). Most first aid techniques should be done without physical restraint as well; if you have to physically restrain someone who is having an episode of psychosis or severe depression/anxiety, then you should call 911 immediately instead.
First aid is not a substitute for a mental health crisis
First aid is not a substitute for a mental health crisis. If you see someone having a major panic attack or other severe mental health crisis, do not attempt to treat them yourself. They may be in danger of hurting themselves and/or others, and it's important that they get professional help as soon as possible.
Only provide first aid if the person who needs it is safe and comfortable with your presence--and if they give you permission to help them through this difficult time by listening to their concerns, offering emotional support (e.g., staying with them), providing reassurance (e.g., saying "I'm here now"), reminding them of what has helped in past situations like this one (if applicable), etcetera.
First aid is not appropriate for severe mental health crises.
First aid is not appropriate for severe mental health crises. First aid is intended to treat minor injuries and stop them from becoming more serious, but it can't help someone with a severe mental illness who is having an episode.
First aid may help you feel better if someone with depression or other mental illness has a seizure, but only if it's safe and comfortable for both of you: don't restrain them; stay with them and offer reassurance until they recover. Do not give first aid to babies or small children without calling emergency services first!
Only provide first aid to someone who is having a major panic attack or other severe mental health crisis if they are safe and comfortable.
Only provide first aid to someone who is having a major panic attack or other severe mental health crisis if they are safe and comfortable. First aid is not appropriate for severe mental health crises, as it consists of emotional support and stress reduction techniques, not physical intervention. If someone with depression or another mental illness has a seizure, do not restrain them; stay with them and offer reassurance until they recover.
First aid consists of emotional support and stress reduction techniques, not physical intervention.
First aid consists of emotional support and stress reduction techniques, not physical intervention. Only provide first aid if the person is safe and comfortable, and you feel confident doing so. If they are having a major panic attack or other severe mental health crisis, for example, you may be able to help them calm down by talking with them calmly and reassuringly (but don't try to reason with them). You can also offer comfort in the form of hugs, pats on the back, or holding their hand if they're willing--but don't restrain them in any way unless they're at risk of injuring themselves or others (in which case call 911 immediately).
If someone with depression or other mental illness has a seizure, do not restrain them; stay with them and offer reassurance until they recover.
If someone with depression or other mental illness has a seizure, do not restrain them; stay with them and offer reassurance until they recover. Do not move the person unless it is necessary to move them away from danger. Move objects from around them so they don't hurt themselves. Note the time the seizure started and how long it lasted, then call 911 if it lasts longer than five minutes or if you have any reason to believe that your loved one may have injured themselves during their episode (for example, if there is blood on their face).
Mental health crises are different from other medical emergencies, so be sure to only apply first aid techniques appropriate for these situations
In a mental health crisis, first aid is a technique that can be used to help people. However, first aid is different from other medical emergencies because the patient may not have any injuries or symptoms of illness. This means that you will need to use techniques appropriate for these situations instead of those used in other situations.
First aid techniques include:
- Using physical intervention such as CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or the Heimlich maneuver; is not recommended because it could cause additional injury or harm if it's done incorrectly and might make things worse if the person becomes more agitated or aggressive due to being touched unexpectedly by someone they don't know well enough yet trust completely enough yet feel comfortable enough around just yet etcetera ad nauseum
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped to clarify the difference between first aid and mental health crises. First aid is a valuable tool for helping people who are having a mental health crisis, but it is not a substitute for treatment or other interventions. If someone with depression or other illness has a seizure, do not restrain them; stay with them and offer reassurance until they recover. Finally, only provide first aid if they are safe and comfortable!
