In this lesson, we will review the prevalence of mental health disorders in the United States, the steps in ALGEE, and review specific considerations.
Review of Mental Health Disorders
There is a difference between mental health and mental illness. It is possible to have optimal mental health with severe mental illness (well-controlled), and it is also possible to have poor mental health with no mental illness.
In the United States, approximately one in five adults will experience a mental disorder.
Steps can be taken early if warning signs are recognized early.
- Prevention: Steps taken when the individual is still mentally well.
- Early intervention: Steps taken when the individual start to become mentally unwell.
- Treatment: Steps taken when the individual is unwell or recovering.
There are many types of help: support programs, psychological treatment, and medical treatment.
It is important to recognize that mental health discussions can have their challenges. Here are some:
- Trauma (physical or emotionally harmful experience)
- Stigma (negative attitudes) – can delay seeking help
- Culture (person’s values, norms, and expectations)
- Resilience (person’s ability to bounce back)
- Recovery and well-being (personal journey of empowerment and autonomy)
Always be conscientious when discussing mental and avoid defining someone by an illness. She has bipolar disorder instead of she’s bipolar.
The Goals of Mental Health First Aid:
Encourage non-judgmental listening, empower adults to promote help-seeking skills, and reduce stigma. DO NOT diagnose or treat themselves or others.
ALGEE Approach
A – Approach, Assess, and Assist
Approach – find a private space, initiate conversation, respect privacy
Assess – Risk of suicide, self-harm, panic attacks, hallucinations
Assist – If at risk of harm, call 911, tell the dispatcher that this is a suicidal case, do not leave the person alone
L – Listen Nonjudgmentally
Allow to talk freely, respect culture, and truly hear and understand
Use “I” statement, such as, “I noticed you look like you might be feeling upset recently.” Ask questions but don’t push. Don’t compare it with your own experience. Make eye contact and repeat what is being said.
G – Give Reassurance and Information
Empathize and voice hope. Provide information. Be patient, persistent, and encouraging
E – Encourage Appropriate professional Help
Offer to help the patient learn more about professionals and services, connect with local resources
E – Encourage Self-Help
Physical and mental self-care. Identification of helpful people. Engage family and friends if possible.
Special Circumstances
Health Crises: suicidal thoughts, self-injury, panic attacks, acute psychosis, medical emergency, aggressive behavior
Depression: Be direct, listen non-judgmentally, give support, and encourage help
- DO NOT say get over it, use a patronizing, overly protective approach, and minimize their experience.
Anxiety: Panic is key
Psychosis: acute psychotic state or not. DO NOT agree with delusions or explain psychosis while they are actively psychotic.
Conclusion:
More resources can be learned at mentalhealthfirstaid.org