- ALGEE Action Plan is a method used in Mental Health First Aid to help someone showing early warning signs.
- A – Approach, Assess, Assist: Notice behavioural changes, approach the person with concern, and assess the situation through observation.
- L – Listen non-judgmentally: Listen with empathy without criticising or blaming, so the person feels safe to share.
- G – Give support and information: Offer emotional support and remind the person that they are not alone.
- E – Encourage professional help: Suggest consulting a trained mental health professional when needed.
- E – Encourage self-help strategies: Promote healthy habits like proper sleep, physical activity, reducing screen time, and hobbies.
- Early recognition of red flags and timely action can prevent the problem from becoming severe.
Key Points
Key Points: Concept of Mental Health
- Mental health is as important as physical health, but people often neglect taking care of it.
- Daily stressors like exams, work pressure, overcrowding, and lack of social support can affect mental health.
- According to NIMHANS (2014–2016), 10% of Indians suffer from common mental disorders and 13.7% may experience a mental disorder in their lifetime.
- Preventive care is important not only for physical health but also for mental well-being.
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program that teaches people to identify signs of mental health problems and provide basic support.
Key Points: Need for First Aid in Mental Health
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is needed because many people do not receive proper treatment due to a lack of awareness, cost, stigma, and shortage of professionals.
- Stigma and shame prevent individuals from seeking help; mental illness is not a personal weakness or punishment.
- Cultural beliefs, superstitions, and wrong advice from untrained people can delay proper treatment.
- First aid in mental health does not replace professional treatment; it helps in identifying early signs and guiding the person to experts.
- People with mental illness may avoid seeking help due to fear of damaging their family reputation or social judgment.
- Early identification helps in early diagnosis, early intervention, and relapse prevention.
- Mental health first aid follows the principle “prevention is better than cure” and aims to support individuals before the condition worsens.
Key Points: The ALGEE - Action Plan
Key Points: First Aid in Mental Illness> First Aid in Depression
- Feeling sad occasionally is normal, but long-lasting sadness may indicate depression.
- Depression involves negative thinking patterns such as hopelessness and helplessness.
- Individuals may feel tired all the time and sleep more than usual.
- They may withdraw from family and friends and prefer to stay alone.
- Depression can affect academic performance, concentration, and daily responsibilities.
- Some may show aggression or risky behaviours like alcohol or drug use.
Key Points: First Aid in Mental Illness> First Aid in Anxiety
- Feeling anxious is normal, but long-lasting or excessive anxiety that interferes with daily life may lead to an anxiety disorder.
- Causes of anxiety include genetic factors, brain chemistry imbalance, traumatic events, parental divorce, and exam stress.
- Symptoms of anxiety include physical (fast heartbeat, sweating), psychological (worry, poor concentration), and behavioural (avoidance, repetitive checking) signs.
- If a person shows serious symptoms or risk of self-harm, inform family members and seek professional help immediately.
- Listen patiently and non-judgmentally; do not criticise or blame the person.
- Give hope and reassurance that mental illness is not their fault and is treatable with proper care.
- Encourage professional treatment and self-help strategies like relaxation, exercise, hobbies, and deep breathing techniques.
Key Points: Certain Behavioural Issues
- Behavioural addiction refers to being addicted to certain activities like shopping, internet use, social media, exercise, or gambling.
- These behaviours can negatively affect mental health, physical health, and daily functioning.
- They are not classified as mental disorders in DSM-5, but they can still be harmful.
- Individuals feel unable to stop the behaviour because it gives them pleasure or excitement.
- Behavioural addiction can damage relationships and lead to negative consequences in life.
Key Points: Internet and Social Media Usage
- Excessive internet and social media use can lead to behavioural addiction, affecting daily life and mental health.
- The problem is not the internet itself, but how and how long it is used, especially for activities like gaming or online gambling.
- The Four C’s of overuse are Craving, Loss of Control, Compulsion, and Negative Consequences.
- If a person answers “yes” to at least three of the Four C’s, it may be a cause for concern.
- Red flags include procrastination, loss of time sense, poor hygiene, physical problems, and inability to prioritise tasks.
- Early identification and self-control strategies can prevent serious psychological problems.
- Severe cases should be treated only by trained mental health professionals, and others can help by guiding the person to seek support.
Important Questions [17]
- Write whether the following statement is ‘True’ or ‘False’: One of the major obstacles to getting help from a mental health professional is the stigma attached to mental illness.
- For first aid in mental health help should be taken from ______.
- Choose the correct option and complete the following statement.One of the major obstacles to getting help from a mental health professional is the ____________ attached to mental illness.
- In our culture, the _________ of an individual is considered to be the reflection of one's family.
- Explain the following concept in 25 to 30 words: Superstition - Hurdle in first aid in mental health
- Answer the following question in 25 to 30 words: Explain in your own words the importance of 'encouraging to get professional help'.
- Write a short note on the following in 50 to 60 words: Hurdles in First-aid in mental health
- Giving support and information is not a skill of first aid in mental health.
- Explain the following concept in 25 to 30 words. Listening non-judgementally
- The skill of listening non-judgementally is essential in first aid of mental health.
- Answer in one sentence. What is meant by listening non-judgmentally?
- Answer the following question in 25 to 30 words. Explain any four changes seen in the behaviour of individuals suffering from depression.
- Write a short note: Causes of anxiety disorder
- Explain the factors contributing to anxiety.
- Explain the following concept in 25 to 30 words: Internet addiction
- Write a short note on the following: Overdependence on the Internet
- Write answers to the following question based on example only in a word:
