MHFA-DC-BS-01c

Introduction to MHFA Actions – ALGES

MODULE PROGRESS

MHFA Actions - ALGES

A

Approach the person, assess and assist with any crisis

L

Listen and communicate nonjudgmentally

G

Give reassurance and information

E

Encourage the person to reach out to supports

S

Self-care for the first aider

While the ALGES actions remain the broadly the same for acting as a first aider of a Deaf person, important nuances to the actions are required.

A Action​

As a First Aider approaching a Deaf person

it is recommended to:
Gain their attention before speaking (e.g., wave, gentle touch, eye contact) – noting that not everyone will be okay with being touched
Find a suitable time and space where both people feel comfortable
If the Deaf person does not initiate a conversation with the first aider about how they are feeling, the first aider opens the conversation
Begin by asking what their preferred form of communication is and make any possible accommodation to meet that need.
Respect the person’s privacy and confidentiality
Assess the situation to determine if crisis supports are needed
Reach out to crisis supports right away if:

The person may harm themselves, e.g., by attempting suicide, by using substances to become intoxicated or by engaging in non-suicidal self-injury

Reach out to crisis supports right away if:

The person experiences extreme distress, e.g., a panic attack, a reaction to traumatic event or a severe psychotic state

Reach out to crisis supports right away if:

The person’s behaviour is very disturbing to others, e.g., they become aggressive or lose touch with reality.
If the situation is not a crisis, continue the conversation to encourage the person to reach out to professional and other supports that could help their mental well-being.

L Action

When listening and communicating

it is important to:
Engage the person warmly and directly, while maintaining comfortable eye-contact.
Set aside any judgments made about the person or their situation and avoid expressing those judgments.
As much as possible, use the preferred communication methods

e.g. text, note, American Sign Language, or speech to text applications such as Otter.ai and Live Caption.

Use verbal and nonverbal communication skills that:

  • Allow Deaf person to have a clear view of your face and mouth.
  • Help you to really understand what the person is communicating.
  • Demonstrate acceptance, empathy and genuineness in order to help the person feel emotionally safe and comfortable expressing their mental distress.
  • Do not express any negative judgments about the person’s character or situation.
  • Be mindful of your body language, including posture, facial expressions, eye contact and physical position in relation to the other person.
  • o To ensure you understand what the person is saying, reflect back what you understand and ask clarifying questions.
  • Allow silences and pauses. Be patient, do not interrupt the person, and use only minimal prompts such as nodding.
  • Do not offer flippant unhelpful advice such as “you’re going to be ok.”
  • Avoid confrontation unless necessary to prevent harmful acts.

G Action

Once the person feels heard and understood, it can be easier for the first aider to offer support and information.

You can encourage the person to feel hopeful by letting them know that they may be experiencing a Mental Health or Substance Use problem, that they are not alone, and that supports are available that have helped others.

You can support the person in the following ways:

  • Treat the person with respect and dignity
  • Do not blame the person for their illness
  • Have realistic expectations for the person
  • Offer consistent emotional support and understanding
  • Give the person hope for recovery
  • Provide practical help
  • Offer information

E Action

Encourage the person to reach out to supports

A goal of MHFA for the Deaf Community is to encourage the Deaf person to reach out to supports that could help with their recovery to improved mental well-being. The MHFA Reference Guide includes lists of resources and supports that are available in Canada. Be prepared to share these when offering MHFA for the Deaf Community.

Encourage the Deaf person to consider other supports available to them such as family, friends and support groups in the Deaf community. There is some evidence that mutual support groups may be helpful for people with depression and anxiety problems (Pistrang et al., 2008).

Many people with anxiety disorders do not realize there are treatments that can help them have a better life. Delays can cause serious consequences in the person’s life, limit social and occupational opportunities, and increase the risk for depression and drug and alcohol problems. Discuss options for seeking professional help. Ask the person if they need help to manage how they are feeling. If they feel they do need help, respond as follows:

  • Discuss appropriate professional help and effective treatment options
  • Encourage the person to use these options
  • Offer to help them seek out these options
  • Encourage the person not to give up seeking appropriate professional help

The person may not want to seek professional help. You should find out if there are specific reasons why this is the case. For example, the person might be concerned about the cost of the service or about not having a family physician they like. You may be able to help the person overcome their worries about seeking help. If the person still doesn’t want help after you have explored their reasons with them, let them know that they can contact you if they change their mind in the future about seeking help. You must respect the person’s right not to seek help unless you believe that they are at risk of harming themselves or others.

People who are troubled by anxiety frequently use self-help strategies. The person’s ability and desire to use self-help strategies will depend on their interests and the severity of their symptoms. Therefore, you should not be too forceful when trying to encourage the person to use self-help strategies. People wishing to use self-help strategies should discuss them with a professional. Some self-help strategies may not be suitable for every person with an anxiety problem and people with more severe anxiety problems may need to use self-help strategies in conjunction with medical or psychological treatments.

S Action

Self-care for the first aider


This ”S” action provides an important reminder to assess your own mental well-being and to reach out to personal and professional supports as needed.

Helping someone who is in distress may evoke an unexpected emotional response in you; you may find yourself feeling fearful, overwhelmed, sad or even irritated or frustrated.

Scenario

In this exercise, you will assume the role of a first aider using MHFA actions (ALGES) to support your Deaf neighbour Jean in a mental health crisis.

More Tips For Communicating with a Deaf Person

The importance of Deaf culture (2019, December 24) Healthy Hearing. Available at: https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52285-The-importance-of-deaf-culture