Mental Health First Aid - CURRENT | BASE for YES
✨ Learn how to support your friends with our simple, 5-minute guide.
Before we begin, a quick note:
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Be honest —
How prepared do you feel to support a friend right now?
💞 Others felt unsure at first too...
but in just 5 minutes, they improved a lot!
“This made me feel hopeful that I could help my friends…”
“I love how short this was and how it broke everything down…”
“It felt like a real step to becoming a better friend…”
It can be hard when someone close to you seems 'off'...
You want to help—but you might worry about saying the wrong thing.
You might even be scared you’ll make it worse...
🤔 Here's the thing...
Most people won’t open up with a simple "how are you?”...
We’re used to saying “I’m good”, even when we’re not.
That’s called an autopilot response—it’s automatic, like a reflex.
Here's the first tip -> ❤️🩹 Instead of “How are you?”, try:
💬 “How’s everything feeling these days?”
💬 “What’s been on your mind lately?”
💬 “What’s your week been like?”
The shift is subtle, but it makes it easier for people to open up.
💭 Practice round:
Which of these questions could help someone open up?
"What’s been on your mind lately?"
⭐ That's a great question to ask!
-> This helps invite reflection, and gently nudges someone to scan their emotions and make room for vulnerability, rather than respond in 'autopilot'.
🤔 “How are you?” can be a good start…
-> But questions like “What’s been on your mind lately?” can make more room for vulnerability and invite real reflection—helping avoid 'autopilot responses'...
🤔 “What's up with you?” can come from a good place…
-> But for some, it might feel a bit blunt! Softer questions like “What’s been on your mind lately?” can make it easier to open up and reflect...
So, you've got your friend to open up!
Now it’s your turn to hold space for them...
This is an important part, and often where people make mistakes.
🤫 The truth is...
Most of us listen to reply, not to understand.
We’re half in the conversation, half in our heads, figuring out how to respond.
But, there's a simple trick that can make listening much easier...
💡 Try this: Imagine their story like a movie.
Just… watch it unfold.
Let them talk. Don’t jump in.
Let their voice be the only one in your head for a sec.
That presence—without pressure—is what really helps.
💪 Halfway there!
The next few tips are really important!
You’ve already picked up two important skills:
✨ Asking better questions that invite honesty
✨ Listening with presence, not pressure
Let's keep going!
Here's the next tip -> Don't jump to fixes...
⚠️ When someone opens up, it’s tempting to say:
"You should…" or "Have you tried…"
But often, people just want to feel understood first.
💡 To help them feel understood, try this:
💬 Reflect back what they’re feeling:
→ “That sounds really heavy...”
💬 Validate their feelings:
→ “I totally get why that would mess with your head.”
💭 Think back to a time when someone really understood you...
What helped the most?
"They truly listened without interrupting or judging..."
✨ That kind of listening can make all the difference...
You don’t have to explain or defend yourself — they’re just there, listening.
Fun fact: This is the most common answer!
"They said something that made me feel seen and validated..."
✨ Sometimes a few comforting words are all it takes to feel understood...
To know your feelings made sense, and you weren’t overreacting.
Fun fact: This is one of the most common answers!
"They stayed calm, even when I was overwhelmed..."
✨ Someone else's calm can often make space for yours...
You didn’t have to hold it all together — their calm carried you through.
"They reminded me I wasn’t alone..."
✨ Just knowing someone is there can make everything feel a little less heavy...
Like a quiet anchor.
"They didn’t try to fix it, they just let me feel..."
✨ Sometimes, just having permission to feel what you’re feeling, without needing to explain or solve anything, can be exactly what someone needs.
Next tip -> Ask open-ended questions
🌊 These help a conversation flow and invite reflection.
Try these:
💬 “What’s been the hardest part of this?”
💬 “Can you tell me more about how that made you feel?”
And another tip -> Suggest small wins!
When someone’s low, their brain can get stuck in "shutdown mode".
A small, doable action can help break that cycle.
Here's a few ideas:
💬 “Wanna step outside for a bit?”
💬 “Should we watch something together?”
💬 “Wanna try that app/game you mentioned?”
🎉 We're 80% finished!
You're amazing for making it this far.
Let’s recap what you’ve learned:
✨ Ask better questions that invite honesty
✨ Listen with presence, not pressure
✨ Offer small, helpful suggestions
✨ Understand what they’re going through
✨ Deepen the convo with open-ended questions
📸 Screenshot this to save it for later
— or just remember it with the acronym ALOUD!
Ok, let's practice...
Imagine a friend’s having a rough day.
💭 What’s one thing you could say or do to support them?
(Or you can skip this step)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Well done!
After learning these tips, you’re more ready to be there for someone — and that matters.
Before you go...
How prepared do you feel to support a friend right now?
How satisfied are you with this course?
We’d love to hear what you thought of this course.
Your words help us learn how to make this resource better — and they truly inspire our team! 💛
You could start with:
💬 “This made me feel...”
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