MHFA First Aid For Feelings Lesson Plan MHFA: First Aid For Feelings
Professional Development Lesson Plan
Duration 120 min
Why This Matters
Understanding MHFA empowers educators to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in students, creating a more supportive and inclusive school environment. This directly impacts student well-being and academic success.
Target Audience
Professional Development for Educators, School Staff, and Administrators (Tier 1 Support).
Learning Objective
Participants will define Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), explain its importance in a school setting, and identify the key steps of the ALGEE action plan.
Preparation Steps
Estimated Prep Time: 30 minutes
Review all generated materials: Slide Deck, Reading, and Role-Play Scenarios.
Ensure presentation equipment (projector, audio) is set up and working.
Print copies of "What Is MHFA?" Reading and "Introductory Role-Play Scenarios" for participants.
Arrange the room into small clusters or groups to facilitate collaborative discussion.
Required Materials
Slide Deck
Reading Material
Activity Sheet
Instructional Sequence
15m
Start Time: 0:00
1. Introduction & Goal Setting
Welcome & Icebreaker (5 min): Greet participants. Ask them to share one word that comes to mind when they hear "mental health."
Lesson Overview (5 min): Introduce the day's topic: Mental Health First Aid. Review the learning objective.
Why MHFA? (5 min): Briefly discuss the growing importance of mental health support in schools and how MHFA can help both students and staff.
25m
Time: 0:15
2. Defining Mental Health First Aid
Initial Thoughts (5 min): Ask: "What do you think 'Mental Health First Aid' means?" Facilitate brief discussion.
Presentation (10 min): Use the Slide Deck to define MHFA, introduce mental health literacy, and address common stigmas.
Reading & Discussion (10 min): Distribute "What Is MHFA?" Reading . Allow 5 mins for reading, then discuss key takeaways.
20m
Time: 0:40
3. Exploring the Educator's Role
Group Discussion (10 min): Lead a discussion on the unique role educators play in identifying students with concerns. Emphasize that MHFA is not diagnosis or therapy.
Boundaries (10 min): Discuss the importance of professional boundaries and self-care for educators when supporting students.
45m
Time: 1:00
4. Introducing the Action Plan (ALGEE)
Introduce ALGEE (10 min): Use the Slide Deck to introduce the ALGEE action plan step-by-step, explaining each letter.
Small Group Activity (25 min): Divide into groups. Distribute Role-Play Scenarios . Groups select a scenario and practice applying ALGEE steps.
Share Out (10 min): Groups share their scenario and how they applied ALGEE.
15m
Time: 1:45
5. Wrap-up & Reflection
Key Takeaways (5 min): Review main points: definition of MHFA, its importance, and ALGEE.
Q&A (5 min): Address remaining questions.
Reflection (5 min): Participants reflect on one new learning or one way they plan to apply MHFA principles.
MHFA First Aid For Feelings Slide Deck First Aid for Feelings
Welcome to Mental Health
First Aid!
Today's Goal:
Define Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Understand its importance in schools
Identify the key steps of the MHFA action plan
What is MHFA?
Providing initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or problem.
"Think of it like CPR for mental health!"
NOT Diagnosis
It's not about therapy or fixing the problem yourself.
The Connection
Goal: Connect individuals to professional care and reduce stigma.
Mental Health Literacy
• How to obtain/maintain good health
• Recognizing problems/disorders
• Knowing how to seek help
• Understanding treatment options
Reducing Stigma
• Challenges negative attitudes
• Lowers barriers to seeking help
• Increases empathy and support
• Promotes supportive actions
YOUR ROLE AS AN EDUCATOR
Front-Line Support
You see students daily. You notice the subtle changes first. You are a trusted adult.
What MHFA IS:
Listening non-judgmentally
Offering reassurance
Connecting to help
What MHFA is NOT
NOT Diagnosing
NOT Therapy
NOT Solving Everything
THE ALGEE ACTION PLAN
A
Assess
L
Listen
G
Give
E
Encourage Help
E
Encourage Self-Help
A
Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Ask Directly:
"Are you thinking about suicide?"
Always take threats seriously.
Warning Signs:
• Threatening harm to self
• Seeking access to means
• Talking/Writing about death
• Hopelessness or rage
• Increased substance use
L
Listen non-judgmentally
Active Listening
Give your full attention. No phone, no distractions.
Empathy
What Is MHFA Reading What Is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?
Informational Reading for Educators
Imagine someone falls and scrapes their knee. You know to offer a bandage, clean the wound, and maybe apply some antiseptic. You're giving them first aid for a physical injury. But what about when someone is struggling with their mental health? What do you do then?
That's where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) comes in. Just like physical first aid, MHFA teaches you how to provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. It's about being there, offering a listening ear, and connecting them to professional help when needed. It is not about diagnosing conditions or providing therapy, but rather acting as a crucial first step in a chain of support.
The Importance of Literacy
One of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health is a lack of mental health literacy . This means many people don't fully understand mental health, how to maintain it, recognize problems, or know where to seek help. This lack of understanding often leads to stigma – negative attitudes and beliefs about mental illness. Stigma can make individuals ashamed or afraid to talk about their struggles, preventing them from seeking the help they desperately need.
MHFA aims to improve mental health literacy across communities, including our schools. By increasing knowledge and reducing misconceptions, we can create environments where people feel more comfortable discussing mental health and seeking support.
Why MHFA in Schools?
Educators are often on the front lines, spending significant time with students. You are in a unique position to observe changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance that might signal a student is struggling. Early intervention can make a significant difference in a young person's life, preventing problems from escalating.
As a First Aider, you learn to:
Recognize signs of common challenges.Provide supportive, non-judgmental help.Guide individuals toward professional help.Reduce the pervasive stigma.
Your role is not to be a therapist or counselor, but a bridge. You offer compassion, understanding, and practical assistance in connecting someone to the right resources. This support can be life-changing for students and beneficial for the entire school community, fostering a culture of care and understanding.
Introductory Role-Play Scenarios Activity Sheet ALGEE Practice Scenarios
Role-Play Activity Worksheet
Participant Name(s)
Instructions
Divide into small groups.
Choose one of the scenarios below.
Discuss and practice how you would apply the ALGEE action plan.
Use the workspace below to jot down your plan for each step.
Scenario 1
The Quiet Achiever
Sarah, a diligent 8th-grade student, has been withdrawn for two weeks. She rarely participates in discussions, looks tired, and seems distracted. Today, she didn't eat her lunch, which is highly unusual for her.
A: Assess
L: Listen
G: Give
E: Prof. Help
E: Self-Help
Scenario 2
The Online Post
Mark, a high schooler, posts: "Sometimes I just feel like giving up on everything. What's the point?" You know Mark has been struggling with a recent breakup and some family stress.
A: Assess
L: Listen
G: Give
E: Prof. Help
E: Self-Help
Scenario 3
The Overwhelmed Parent Call
Emily's parent calls you. Emily (5th grade) has been having meltdowns at home, refusing school, and is constantly worried about performance. The parent sounds exhausted and unsure how to help.
A: Assess
L: Listen
G: Give
E: Prof. Help
E: Self-Help
Small Group Discussion Notes 
