Step 1: Approach, assess and assist with any crisis

• Approach the person at an appropriate time
• Show your concerns
• Maintain a respectful conversation
• Keep their identity confidential

Assess current behaviour: for mental health crisis look out for chances of harming themselves or others, signs of extreme distress, aggression, detachment from reality

• If the person is not in a mental health crisis move to step 2.

Step 2: Listen non-judgementally

• Listen to their concerns without showing any judgements or harsh criticisms
• Make sure you convey that you are actively listening to them through both verbal and non-verbal skills.

Step 3: Give reassurance and information

• Offer reassurance about getting help after you have thoroughly listened to their concerns.
• Depending on the situation you can provide emotional support by showing empathy with their thoughts and feelings or you could lend a hand with any physical task that they were doing.

Step 4: Encourage appropriate professional help

• Help them search for facilities nearby that can provide professional help.
• Gather information about nearby facilities or treatment options and share with them
• They may not be aware that they can get help or get treated

Step 5:Encourage other supports

• Tell them about self help coping skills and how they can be useful to them in such situations
• Encourage them to seek social support from their family, friends or community