Mental Health First Aid - What it is and what it is not!
Julia Davies
Mental Health First Aid’s a toolkit, you see,
For noticing signs like worry or low energy.
It’s learning to listen with patience and care,
And saying, “I’m here—let’s talk if you’d like to share.”
It’s knowing the steps to guide someone through,
When they’re feeling unsure of what they should do.
It’s offering comfort, calm, and support,
Not giving diagnoses or a clinical report.
It’s not mind-reading, fortune-telling, or vibes,
Or handing out labels or professional advice.
It’s not fixing everything with one magic line,
Or saying, “Cheer up—everything’s fine!”
It’s not superhero training with capes in a kit,
Or learning to “solve” life in ten minutes flat.
It’s not becoming a therapist overnight—
Just knowing how to help when things feel tight.
But it is about kindness, steady and real,
Creating connection through how we listen and feel.
It’s a bridge, not a cure; a nudge, not a shove—
A reminder that support starts with language and love.
So MHFA is simple, practical art:
Helping someone take the next step to restart.
Not dramatic, not fancy, but human and true—
A little bit of knowledge that anyone can do.
For noticing signs like worry or low energy.
It’s learning to listen with patience and care,
And saying, “I’m here—let’s talk if you’d like to share.”
It’s knowing the steps to guide someone through,
When they’re feeling unsure of what they should do.
It’s offering comfort, calm, and support,
Not giving diagnoses or a clinical report.
It’s not mind-reading, fortune-telling, or vibes,
Or handing out labels or professional advice.
It’s not fixing everything with one magic line,
Or saying, “Cheer up—everything’s fine!”
It’s not superhero training with capes in a kit,
Or learning to “solve” life in ten minutes flat.
It’s not becoming a therapist overnight—
Just knowing how to help when things feel tight.
But it is about kindness, steady and real,
Creating connection through how we listen and feel.
It’s a bridge, not a cure; a nudge, not a shove—
A reminder that support starts with language and love.
So MHFA is simple, practical art:
Helping someone take the next step to restart.
Not dramatic, not fancy, but human and true—
A little bit of knowledge that anyone can do.