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Resources

You can help champion our message in
your workplace, school, or community
every day of the year by using the
valuable resources available below.

MHFAider Stories
Understanding Mental Health
MHFA in the Workplace
Self-care and Wellness
Supporting Young People
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Overcoming Barriers
Having a Conversation

Content advice: the following resources include discussion about mental health and suicide. As a MHFAider if you are supporting someone who is thinking about suicide, it can be helpful to reach out to these services for guidance and support. Supporting someone in crisis can be challenging – you’re not expected to do it alone.

Lifeline – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
13YARN – 13 92 76
MensLine – 1300 789 978

MHFAider Stories

Caillin’s story

Supporting a friend with an eating disorder.

Lachlan’s story

Supporting a friend with schizophrenia.

Claire’s story

Supporting a stranger.

Nathan’s story

Having the confidence to support others.

Joey’s story

Experiencing severe loneliness and depression.

Cecilia’s story

Anxiety and realising the need for self-help.

Kellie's story

A life changing conversation about non-suicidal self-injury.

Danny's story

Supporting young people transition to highschool.

Namira's story

Helping a resident navigate loneliness and emotional distress.

Toluwanimi Jewel's story

Supporting a colleague experiencing burnout.

Neville's story

Supporting soldiers through mental health challenges.

Elsie's story

Creating a positive change.

Garrett's story

Tailoring support for individuals who are culturally diverse.

Kathy's story

Helping others through a compassionate lens.

The Power of Connection

MHFAiders share their experience with mental health and the importance of self-connection as well as maintaining positive relationships with others.

A veteran’s path to recovery through his community

After leaving the army, Craig found healing through local support and reconnecting with others. His story shows the importance of connection, self-care and early intervention for veterans.

Leesa's story

Leesa, a podcast host and passionate mental health advocate, uses her lived experience and Mental Health First Aid training to guide vulnerable conversations with care.

Jill's story

With three decades of nursing experience and 15 years as a Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Jill has empowered hundreds with mental health literacy.

Jackie's story

After a lifetime of anxiety, Jackie found clarity, connection, and strength through MHFA training. Now an advocate and artist, she uses her voice and lived experience to reduce stigma and support others on their mental health journey.

Harriet's story

Harriet’s MHFA training transformed how she sees mental health – in others and herself. When she encountered someone in crisis, she used her skills to intervene with compassion, proving how MHFA can truly change lives.

Abbie's story

From personal experience with anxiety and bipolar disorder, Abbie became an MHFAider, instructor, and charity founder. Through MHFA and Letters of Hope, she empowers others to connect and offer life-changing support.

Understanding Mental Health

5 tips when navigating conversations about suicide & non-suicidal self-injury

Considerations when having a conversation with someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Breaking down depression

Revisit your understanding of depression and apply the ALGEE Action Plan in a practical scenario.

Understanding non-suicidal self-injury

Revisit your understanding of non-suicidal self-injury and crisis first aid.

Understanding suicide

Revisit your understanding of crisis states and apply crisis first aid in a practical scenario.

Schizophrenia: offering support and overcoming barriers

Schizophrenia affects how people think, feel and behave. With early treatment and reduced stigma, those living with it can lead rich, meaningful lives.

Women and mental health across the lifespan

Learn how mental health problems can affect women differently at each life stage – and how to better support the women and girls around you.

Understanding panic attacks

Learn what panic attacks are, how they feel, and what you can do to support someone during – and after – an episode.

Depression - looking out for those who are not coping

Learn how to notice the signs someone may be struggling – and what you can do to safely offer support and encouragement.

Exploring mental health in men

Understand the barriers men face when seeking help – and how you can support them through open, non-judgemental conversations.

Defining anxiety

Learn what anxiety is, how it shows up in daily life, and how to better understand and support those experiencing it.

MHFA in the Workplace

Burnout and self-care

Learn how managers and staff can address burnout and feel empowered in the workplace.

Spotlight on stigma in the workplace

Addressing stigma against mental health is everyone’s responsibility. From executive leaders to individual staff, learn how everyone can play their part.

Maintaining work/life balance

Burnout is common, affecting wellbeing and work performance. Spot the signs early and act through self-care, setting boundaries and seeking support to prevent long-term impact.

Promoting positive mental health practices in the workplace

Workplaces thrive when wellbeing is a priority. Encourage creativity, flexible routines, supportive leadership, and open conversations to create a culture of care and connection.

Disclosing a mental health condition with your workplace

Choosing to share a mental health condition at work is personal. Weigh the benefits and risks, and seek supportive environments that respect your needs and rights.

Unspoken clues someone might benefit from a mental health conversation

Learn to spot subtle signs that someone may be struggling – and how to offer support, even when nothing is said out loud.

Self-care and Wellness

8 secrets of psychological wellbeing

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg explores simple ways to improve mental wellbeing.

Talking about men's mental health

Nic shares his thoughts on managing stress and practicing positive mental health.

Taking care of you - self-care & vicarious trauma

Self-care is essential for managing vicarious trauma – helping to maintain emotional resilience, prevent burnout, and sustain your ability to support others effectively.

Tips to maintain positive mental health

Discover the power of simple daily habits that can significantly boost your mental health.

Self-care and setting boundaries

Explore the importance of maintaining your own mental health first in order to better support others.

7 ways to support someone over the holidays

The holiday season can be a happy time, but it’s not easy for everyone. This article shares simple ways to support others – from respecting different traditions to noticing changes in behaviour and connecting with those who may be alone.

Top strategies for mental resilience

Building mental resilience helps us cope with life’s challenges. Key strategies include having a growth mindset, practicing mindfulness, showing self-compassion, setting realistic goals and embracing change.

Physical and mental health – two parts of a wellness equation

Physical and mental health are deeply connected. Sleep, movement and nutrition support mood and focus, while good mental health motivates healthy habits. Caring for both leads to overall wellbeing.

Self-care when helping others

Caring for others can be rewarding but draining. Look after yourself to stay strong and present. Good self-care helps you help others better and prevents burnout.

How to prepare for a mentally healthy year

Start the year with intention – this guide helps you prioritise mental wellbeing, set healthy goals and build habits that last.

Supporting Young People

Finding my way - growing up in rural areas

Laura’s journey with mental health and growing up in rural areas.

Finding my way - a journey through tertiary education

Gabby’s journey with mental health as a university student.

Helping young people thrive

Lael Stone explores resilience and ways adults can create an environment for young people to thrive.

Young people & mental health - your questions answered

Q&A with young people and experts about mental health. Explore the impact of social media, managing burnout as a student and the role of teachers in supporting young people.

Maintaining mental health for tertiary students

Explore common risk factors for mental health problems including ways to start conversations with tertiary students.

How do I speak to my child about suicide?

Talking to children about suicide can feel difficult, but it’s important. Open conversations reduce fear and stigma, making it easier for children to seek help and feel supported.

What do we need to know about young people and eating disorders?

Eating disorders can appear subtly through behaviour changes. Support youth by staying calm, listening with empathy, and encouraging early professional help and trusted resources.

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

What is NAIDOC Week?

Learn about the importance of NAIDOC Week in celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.

Where I belong - a Stolen Generations story

Florence’s story as a Birrigubba, Bidjara and Jagalingu woman and survivor of the Stolen Generation.

3 cultural considerations when supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Key considerations when supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a respectful, inclusive and culturally safe way.

Overcoming Barriers

Barriers to 'A' of ALGEE

Addressing stigma against mental health is everyone’s responsibility. From executive leaders to individual staff, learn how everyone can play their part.

Barriers to 'L' of ALGEE

Learn about common barriers to L of ALGEE – ‘Listen and communicate non-judgementally’.

Barriers to 'G' of ALGEE

Learn about common barriers to G of ALGEE – ‘Give information and support’.

Barriers to first 'E' of ALGEE

Learn about common barriers to the first E of ALGEE – ‘Encourage appropriate professional support’.

Barriers to second 'E' of ALGEE

Learn about common barriers to the second E of ALGEE – ‘Encourage other supports’.

Making it easier to help - overcoming barriers to providing information and support

MHFAiders and Instructors discuss common barriers to providing information and support including ways to overcome them.

Navigating misconceptions in mental health conversations

Challenging myths about mental health reduces stigma and fosters compassion. Learn the facts, speak with respect, and correct misconceptions to help build safer, more inclusive conversations.

Someone I’m concerned about doesn’t want my help. What now?

Rejection can hurt, but don’t take it personally. Respect their space, stay open, and gently check in later. Your care still matters.

What to do when a mental health conversation doesn’t go to plan

Not every conversation goes smoothly. This article helps you respond calmly, stay supportive and look after yourself when things don’t go to plan.

The 6 most common mental health myths

Discover the truth behind common myths – and how busting them can help reduce stigma and support those experiencing mental health problems.

Having a Conversation

ALGEE Action Plan

Revisit the five stages of the ALGEE Action Plan.

Tips when supporting someone with depression

Support someone with depression by noticing signs, encouraging help, staying connected and offering hope.

Communicating with individuals who have an intellectual disability

People with intellectual disability may process information differently, so communication should be considered to ensure understanding, build trust and promote inclusion.

The importance of listening and creating space for someone

Learn why giving someone the space to articulate their thoughts can often help them find their own solutions.

Tips to initiate a conversation about mental health

Discover how to be a supportive listener and create an environment where it’s okay to talk about mental health.

The importance of follow up conversations

Learn effective strategies to gently encourage openness without pushing boundaries if someone is not ready to talk.

Six tips to keep someone comfortable in a mental health conversation

When someone opens up about their mental health, it’s important to listen without judgement, give them time and let them lead the conversation. Show you care, avoid rushing or fixing things and offer support in a way that suits them.

Supporting the mental health of LGBTIQA+ people

LGBTIQA+ people face higher rates of mental health problems due to discrimination and exclusion. Support starts with using respectful, inclusive language, listening without judgment, and not making assumptions about their identity.

The impact of stress for tertiary students

Tertiary students often feel stressed from study and life pressures. Supporting students by checking in and encouraging healthy habits can help maintain positive stress levels and prevent mental health problems.

Planning a mental health first aid conversation

Before having a mental health first aid conversation, it’s important to prepare. Choose an appropriate time and place, be calm and supportive and check in with yourself afterwards to care for your own wellbeing.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of mental health problems

Early signs of mental health problems include mood swings, isolation and negative thoughts. Learn what to look for and how to offer support with compassion and confidence.

Supporting older men with mental health conversations

Older men may face isolation, grief and health changes. Regular check-ins, social connection and tailored support can make a big difference to their wellbeing.

Words matter – compassionate language for mental health

The language we use shapes attitudes. Kind, respectful words help reduce stigma and build an inclusive culture where people feel safe seeking help.

Considerations when providing mental health first aid to others

Every person and situation is different. This article helps you offer support that’s respectful, inclusive and tailored to the individual.

How to talk about suicide – your words matter

Find out how to talk about suicide safely and respectfully – so you can support others and reduce stigma in your community.

Exploring the ALGEE Action Plan

Gain confidence in using the MHFA Action Plan – a practical, evidence-based guide to helping someone experiencing a mental health problem.

Do's & don'ts - having a conversation about mental health

Support doesn’t have to wait for a crisis – this guide helps you start conversations that promote positive mental wellbeing for yourself and others

ALGEE in Action - practical scenarios

Explore real-life stories and tips that show how MHFA conversations can make a difference – and inspire you to start your own.

Keeping the focus - when to share and when to listen

Learn when to speak and when to step back – so your support is focused, respectful and led by the other person’s needs.

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