What is Psychological First Aid?
Psychological first aid is a set of basic skills that allow any person — not necessarily a professional — to provide immediate, humane support to someone experiencing a psychological crisis, until specialized care becomes available if needed.
Why does it matter for everyone?
Mental health crises don't wait for a scheduled appointment. Having someone nearby who knows how to listen calmly, reassure, and guide toward the right help can make a real difference in those first critical moments.
Core Principles
- Listen without judgment
- Stay calm and present
- Don't force the person to talk
- Guide them to specialized support when needed
When is specialized intervention needed?
Psychological first aid is not a substitute for professional treatment — it's a bridge that helps someone reach it when needed.
This article was originally published on Jisr.