Guidance

Mental distress is when a person is having a panic attack, experiencing withdrawal, feeling suicidal, reacting to relationship issues, having a psychotic episode, or a mix of these symptoms.

Remember your personal safety.

Consider the context, but give yourself a distance gap between you and the person in distress.

Contact emergency services if there is a risk of self harm.

Approach, assess and assist with any crisis. Assess the risk of suicide or harm and look for signs of trauma and high anxiety.

Listen to the person non-judgmentally.

Give the person reassurance, support and information.

Encourage the person to seek appropriate professional help.

Encourage the person to seek self-help and other support strategies.