Just like traditional first aid, mental health first aid is the first line of help before they are best taken care of by a professional. In a world where mental health is on a concerning rise and [[Loneliness]] is more prominent than ever before, I feel we must properly equip ourselves with the tools and mindsets to be someone capable of helping during such sensitive times. ## Initialization - would you like to talk? - here are some things that ive noticed (not assumptions, just making them feel heard) ## Responses - avoid rationalizing or bringing yourself into the equation, focus on mindfulness and control over body - directly ask if they are thinking about suicide in a non-judgmental manner - claims to be statistically better - might be counter intuitive but it shows you truly see them and what they are going through - people only suicide because they have no other choice but to, people would want to continue living if they enjoyed their lives - genuinely calm questioning for an outlet - ask how much progress they have made in planning their suicide