Supporting mental health emergencies starts with calm, confident care for others and yourself

Mental Illness Awareness Month reminds us that mental health isn’t just a private struggle; it’s a shared human experience. At any moment, someone you care about, work with, or pass by in public could be facing a silent crisis. The question is: would you know how to help?

Mental health emergencies look different from physical ones. They can be unpredictable, emotionally intense, and sometimes overwhelming for untrained bystanders.

Advanced First Aid includes vital modules that help you:

• De-escalate high-stress situations safely.
• Identify early signs of emotional or psychological distress.
• Support someone experiencing panic attacks, psychosis, suicidal ideation or trauma.
• Communicate in a calm, clear and non-judgmental way.
• Ensure your own safety and mental health as a First Aider.

Whether you're a teacher, parent, community leader, or simply a concerned citizen, this training empowers you to respond with both confidence and compassion.

1.  Don’t try to “fix” the person.

     Your job isn’t to diagnose or give advice, it’s to keep them safe and stable until professional help arrives.

2.  Stay calm, even if they aren’t.

     Your steady tone and body language can help defuse a tense moment. Avoid raising your voice or reacting with fear.

3.  Use open-ended questions.

     Ask things like “How can I support you right now?” or “Would you like me to stay with you?”

4.  Remove or secure any potential risks.

     Discreetly remove sharp objects or anything that could be used for harm.

5.  Call for help when needed, and don’t delay.

Whether it’s calling emergency services, alerting a colleague or asking for backup, you’re not meant to do this alone. Contact 0800 567 567 (Suicide Crisis Helpline), 10111 (SAPS), 112 (toll-free emergency call centre), or 10177 (ambulance) immediately if you need help.

If you’re reading this and struggling with your mental health, please know that you are not alone. Help is available, and you are worthy of support, no matter how hard things feel right now.

Here are a few simple steps that may help:

• Create a support list: Write down 3 people or resources you can reach out to in a moment of crisis.
• Practise simple grounding techniques: Breathing slowly, naming 5 things around you, or splashing cold water on your face can help calm your nervous system.
• Be open with someone you trust: You don’t have to explain everything, just saying “I’m not doing okay today” is enough.
• Know your rights in a first aid scenario: You always have the right to be treated with dignity and confidentiality.

If you're ever in immediate danger or distress, please reach out immediately for help.

• Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline: 0800 70 80 90.
• ADHD Helpline: 0800 55 44 33.
• Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour: 0861 435 787.
• Department of Social Development Substance Abuse 24hr helpline: 0800 12 13 14, or SMS 32312.

• Dr Reddy’s Help Line: 0800 21 22 23.
• Evexia Psychiatric Day Hospital 24 Hour: 012 348 8200, WhatsApp: 067 789 2503, Telegram: 079 952 2178.
• Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line: 0800 20 50 26.
• SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837.
• Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567, or SMS 31393.
• South African Police Service Crime Stop: 0800 600 10111.

• Ambulance and Fire Brigade: 010177.
• Netcare 911: 082 911.
• ER24: 084 124.
• Cell Phone Emergency: 112.
• Child Line: 08000 55555.
• Life Line: 322 322.

• Cipla 24 Hour Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789, WhatsApp: 076 88 22 77 5.
• Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line: 0800 20 50 26.
• Gender Based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428.
• Stop Gender Violence Helpline: 0800 150 150, *120*7867#.

We’ve always believed that first aid is about more than bandages; it’s about humanity. Our Advanced First Aid training reflects that by preparing people to respond to the real-life emergencies our communities face every day.

As part of our training, we include the challenges of providing first aid to individuals who are agitated, aggressive, or experiencing mental health crises.

When you train with us, you don’t just gain a certificate, you gain the skills  to make a lasting difference.

For more information about our range of First Aid Training Courses, visit our website at https://www.firstaidleague.co.za/training#our-courses or contact us on 012 644 0918.