Coping with Crisis

Coping with Crisis

This practical course is designed to upskill staff, volunteers, family and community members to understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

During the session learners will explore:

• What a mental health crisis is and how it may differ from a physical health crisis
• Panic attack first aid
• How to respond when someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation
• Self-harm and managing first aid following self-harm
• Supporting someone experiencing a psychotic episode, including hearing voices or paranoia
• When additional support is needed and the local support available

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Recognise common signs that someone may be experiencing a mental health crisis
• Respond more confidently and appropriately to a panic attack
• Understand how to have a supportive conversation with someone experiencing suicidal thoughts
• Respond safely and sensitively to self-harm
• Provide appropriate initial support to someone experiencing psychosis, hearing voices or paranoia
• Identify when further or urgent help is required and signpost to relevant services