Mental Health First Aid is about having the confidence to recognise when someone may be struggling and knowing how to respond with care, respect and support. 

For veterans, families, carers and communities, these conversations often happen in everyday moments –  with a mate, partner, colleague or family member. Mental Health First Aid helps people feel more prepared for these moments. 

What is Mental Health First Aid? 

Mental Health First Aid is not professional counselling or medical treatment. 

It focuses on helping people to: 

• Recognise the signs of mental distress 
• Start supportive, early conversations 
• Encouraging people to seek appropriate help when needed 
• Reduce stigma and increase understanding 

The goal is to support someone until they can access the help that is right for them. 

Why this matters for veterans and families 

Veterans and families of veterans may face unique challenges linked to service, transition, injury, identity and life changes. 

Early support from trusted people – family members, peer or colleagues can make a real difference. This is especially important during times of stress, transition or recovery.  

Mental Health First Aid helps community members, families and peers feel better equipped to provide that first level of support. 

Mental Health Protect 

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs funds Mental Health Protect, which provides free access to evidence based mental health and suicide prevention training for the veteran community.  

Mental Health Protect includes training such as Mental Health First Aid and is designed to: 

• Build confidence to support others 
• Improve mental health knowledge and awareness 
• Encourage early help seeking 
• Strengthen safer, more connected communities  

If you’re interested in training or learning more, Mental Health Protect is the best place to start. 

Building confidence to support others 

Mental Health First Aid is about recognising when someone may need support and responding with care without needing to have all the answers. 

Training available through Mental Health Protect can help veterans and families: 

•  Build confidence in supporting others 
• Strengthen understanding of mental health 
• Support earlier help‑seeking 
• Create supportive environments in families, workplaces and communities. 

Looking after yourself 

Supporting someone in a mental health conversation can be meaningful, but it can also be challenging. Looking after your own wellbeing is important. 

 When you feel supported and grounded, you are better able to listen, respond with care and encourage appropriate support.  

You can look after yourself by: 

• Check in with yourself and notice if you are feeling stressed, tired or overwhelmed. 
• Remembering your role is to listen, support and encourage help-seeking - you don’t need to have all the answers 
• Setting clear boundaries about what you can and cannot take on 
• Taking time to pause and recharge after a difficult conversation 
• Talking with someone you trust or seek guidance, where it is safe and appropriate to do so. 
• Maintaining routines that support your wellbeing, such as sleep, regular meals, movement and time outdoors 
• Seek your own support if the situation is affecting your mental health or wellbeing. 

Getting urgent help 

Get urgent help if you are concerned about your immediate safety or someone else’s.