
What’s behind an MHFA conversation?
Are you currently worried about the mental health of a friend, family member or co-worker but unsure how to help?
Many people feel uncomfortable or unprepared starting a conversation about mental health and this may mean that they avoid the conversation altogether.
This resource page has been created to help you learn more about what’s behind a successful mental health first aid conversation. Sharing content from our courses we look at a range of different scenarios and break down the steps and skills needed to have a successful mental health conversation with someone you are concerned about.
We step through what was said, how it was delivered and why it resulted in a positive outcome.
Let’s take a closer look
Below are video excerpts from Mental Health First Aid Australia courses. We don’t show you the whole video, instead we set the scene for the mental health first aid conversation that follows and let you reflect on what you think was and should be said. After each video we look at the key elements from the full conversation and what approach worked and why.
Understanding how to talk about mental health and help someone in need is an important skill. Mental Health First Aid Australia courses teach the skills needed to recognise and respond to someone experiencing a mental health problem or a crisis until appropriate professional help is received or the crisis resolves.
Hard to explain
In this video, you will meet Debbie, a young Aboriginal woman, who has been studying at university away from her family and community.
This clip involves discussion around non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Non-suicidal self-injury affects people of all cultural backgrounds and all ages. It is a way people sometimes cope with big problems or feelings, but it is not the best way to cope. People who injure may also experience mental health problems or thoughts of suicide. Getting appropriate support quickly helps recovery.
There are many different cultural practices that may have similarities with NSSI, this is not what we are describing here.
Watch the video and really think, would you know how to guide Debbie towards further help? Would you know what to say?
We’ve broken down what’s missing to illustrate the importance of the words you use and the approach you take when having a mental health first aid conversation.
Click to see how the Coach approaches Debbie about his concerns
Click to see how the Coach navigates the conversation
Click to see how Coach responds to Debbie’s concerns
Looking out for a colleague
In this video you will meet Gav and Tom, who work closely with one another. Recently, Tom has been turning up to work late and has been falling behind on his work. He has been expressing dissatisfaction and a lack of motivation.
Gav decides to have a mental health first aid conversation with Tom. He starts by expressing his concern based on changes he has noticed in Tom’s behaviour and mood. He uses the skills he learnt in a mental health first aid course to bring up the topic of Tom’s mental health, listen non-judgementally and encourage Tom to seek professional help.
The below excerpt is taken from one of the videos within our Mental Health First Aid course.
If you found yourself in a similar situation with a co-worker, would you feel confident in your ability to make them feel safe and supported?
What would you have said to support Tom?
We’ve broken down the full conversation to illustrate the importance of the words you use and the approach you take when having a mental health first aid conversation.
Click to see how Gav creates a safe space and hits a potential roadblock
Click to see how Gav overcomes Tom’s hesitancy to discuss mental health
Click to see how Gav assures Tom a mental health diagnosis is nothing to be ashamed of
Listening to a Friend
In this video you will meet Alicia, a young university student. Her friend, Melissa, is meeting her to study and notices some changes in Alicia’s behaviour. Alicia tells Melissa that she’s worried about her upcoming exams, has been struggling to focus, and is unable to sleep. She goes on to say that she’s been sleeping on the couch and withdrawing from her partner, Max.
Over the course of their conversation, Melissa gives Alicia the space and support she needs to talk and it becomes clear this is the first time Alicia has spoken to anyone about how she has been feeling. Melissa uses real life examples, and comparable lived experiences to encourage Alicia to seek professional help.
The below excerpt is taken from one of the videos within our Mental Health First Aid course.
If you found yourself in a similar situation with a friend, group mate, or co-worker, would you feel confident in your ability to make them feel safe and supported?
What would you have said to encourage them to seek professional help?
We’ve broken down the full conversation to illustrate the importance of the words you use and the approach you take when having a mental health first aid conversation.
Click to see how Melissa gives Alicia space and support to assess her symptoms
Click to see how Melissa uses real life examples to prompt understanding
Click to see how Melissa encourages professional help
Providing Support to a Young Person
In this video you’ll meet Dave, a teen who has been acting differently lately and skipping class. We see his girlfriend, Kelly, confront him in the library after he misses their lunch meeting. You’ll hear Dave tell Kelly that he wants to be left alone. The Librarian, Carolyn has been watching him and is concerned. She approaches Dave and asks him what he is doing. He is initially defensive, but Carolyn gently persists and manages to continue and have a mental health first aid conversation that results in Dave agreeing to seek help.
The below excerpt is taken from one of the videos within our Mental Health First Aid course.
If you found yourself in a similar situation speaking with a minor, do you feel confident in your ability to help and provide effective support?
What would you have done to ensure a successful outcome and them seeking help?
We’ve broken down the full conversation to illustrate the importance of the words you use and the approach you take when having a mental health first aid conversation.
Click to see how Carolyn gets Dave to talk about what's really bothering him
Click to see how Carolyn manages the conversation when Dave talks about his negative feelings about himself
Click to see how Carolyn handles Dave's dismissal of her suggestions to seek help
Supporting a Co-worker
In this video you will meet Ted. He has been acting differently at work and is visibly unhappy about his very recent breakup with his girlfriend. His co-worker, Sandeep, has noticed this behaviour and approaches him convincing him to go for a walk. On their walk he asks Ted what’s been going on. Ted is initially defensive, but Sandeep gently persists and is able to have a mental health first aid conversation where Dave discloses that he has been thinking about suicide.
Sandeep encourages him to keep safe by contacting friends and family and then sits and stays with him as he seeks professional help.
The below excerpt is taken from one of the videos within our Mental Health First Aid course.
If you found yourself in a similar situation with a co-worker would you feel confident in your ability to get them appropriate professional support and make sure they were safe?
What would you have said to encourage them to access professional help?
We’ve broken down the full conversation to illustrate the importance of the words you use and the approach you take when having a mental health first aid conversation.
Click to see how Sandeep initially approaches Ted
Click to see how Sandeep manages the conversation around suicide
Click to see how Sandeep ensures that Ted is safe and seeks professional help right away
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890