Question

Explain the ALGEE Model in your own words.

Explain the ALGEE model in your own words:

1. Approach, Assess, and Assist
2. Listen non - judgmentally
3. Give support and information
4. Encourage professional help
5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Answer 1

ALGEE is an action plan to carry out First Aid in Mental Health.

1. Approach, Assess, and Assist in any crisis - An attempt is made to understand the situation and observe if there are behavioural changes in the person with whom we are concerned.
2. Listen non-judgmentally - We should listen to the other person without letting our opinions influence us. We should not judge/criticize but listen with acceptance and empathy. It does not imply that we agree with what the other person is saying but it ensures that the person feels supported.
3. Give support and information - This helps the person to feel more in control of the situation since they have emotional and informational support.
4. Encourage the person to get professional help - Persons suffering from mental illness may hesitate to seek help due to a lack of knowledge or due to the stigma attached. Others may not know how to respond to someone showing 'red flags' of mental illness and may do more harm than good. Mental health professionals are trained to help the person to identify the problem and cope with the situation.
5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies - Self-help strategies are tasks that help to increase our resources to deal with stress and to maintain mental health such as exercise, adequate sleep, having hobbies, etc.