Mental Health First Aid: How to Help Someone in Crisis

Just as you’d help someone with a physical injury, mental health first aid equips you to support someone experiencing a mental health crisis. At Rhema Therapy Hub, we believe every Kenyan should know these essential skills.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental health first aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of an existing mental health condition, or in a mental health crisis.

Recognizing a Mental Health Emergency

Immediate danger signs:

  • Talking about suicide or wanting to die
  • Looking for ways to self-harm
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Displaying rage or talking about seeking revenge

The ALGEE Action Plan for Mental Health First Aid

A – Approach, assess, and assist with any crisis Approach the person calmly. If they’re in immediate danger, call emergency services (112 in Kenya) or take them to the nearest hospital.

L – Listen non-judgmentally Give your full attention. Don’t interrupt or offer quick solutions. Sometimes people just need to be heard.

G – Give reassurance and information Offer hope that things can improve. Provide factual information about mental health and available resources.

E – Encourage appropriate professional help Suggest they speak with a mental health professional. Offer to help them find services or accompany them to an appointment.

E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies Discuss healthy coping strategies, peer support groups, and self-care practices.

Common Mental Health Situations and How to Help

Depression

What you might notice: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep.

How to help:

  • Express concern without judgment
  • Encourage professional help
  • Stay connected – regular check-ins matter
  • Help with practical tasks if they’re struggling

Anxiety

What you might notice: Excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.

How to help:

  • Remain calm yourself
  • Acknowledge their feelings
  • Encourage slow, deep breathing
  • Suggest grounding techniques
  • Recommend professional support

Suicidal Crisis

What you might notice: Direct or indirect talk of suicide, giving away possessions, saying goodbye.

How to help:

  • Take all suicide talk seriously
  • Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
  • Don’t leave them alone if in immediate danger
  • Remove access to means of self-harm
  • Get professional help immediately
  • Call emergency services or mental health emergency number

Mental Health First Aid Training in Nairobi

Want formal training? Rhema Therapy Hub offers mental health first aid courses that teach:

  • How to recognize warning signs
  • How to approach and help someone in crisis
  • How to connect people with professional resources
  • Self-care for helpers and caregivers

Our caregiver training programs equip family members, teachers, employers, and community leaders with these vital skills.

Creating a Mental Health-Friendly Environment

At Home:

  • Encourage open conversations about feelings
  • Reduce stigma by discussing mental health normally
  • Model healthy coping strategies
  • Know emergency contacts and resources

At Work:

  • Promote work-life balance
  • Create safe spaces for mental health discussions
  • Provide mental health resources to employees
  • Train managers in mental health awareness

In Your Community:

  • Start mental health awareness initiatives
  • Organize support groups
  • Share mental health information on social media
  • Challenge stigmatizing language

Mental Health Resources in Kenya

Emergency Contacts:

  • Kenya Red Cross Mental Health Line: 1199
  • Befrienders Kenya: 0722 178 177
  • Emergency Services: 112

Professional Support: Rhema Therapy Hub offers:

  • Crisis intervention counseling
  • Mental health evaluations
  • Ongoing therapy and support
  • Referrals to psychiatric services when needed

Why Mental Health First Aid Training Matters

In Kenya, where mental health resources are limited and stigma remains high, mental health first aid training can literally save lives. You don’t need to be a professional to make a difference.

Interested in mental health first aid training? Rhema Therapy Hub offers group sessions and customized training for organizations. Contact us at 0737324376 or email elizabeth.musya014@gmail.com.

Your Role in Mental Health Support

You can’t fix someone’s mental health problems, but you can:

  • Be present
  • Listen without judgment
  • Offer hope
  • Connect them to professional help
  • Check in regularly

Remember: Taking care of your own mental health enables you to better support others. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by helping someone else, seek support for yourself.

Mental health matters. Your support matters. Let’s build a mentally healthier Kenya together.

Visit Rhema Therapy Hub for compassionate mental health care, caregiver training, and mental health first aid courses. Because everyone deserves support.