Mental Health Incidents
Your own safety is your first priority.
If you are disturbed by an event seek assistance from the Counselling Service.
Mental health incidents can include:
- Panic attacks
- Psychosis
- Drug or alcohol overuse
- A person who has experienced a traumatic event
- Self harm or threat of self harm
Threatening Behaviours
If you don't feel safe
- Ask the person to leave, do not invade their personal space.
- Avoid eye contact, remain calm, keep your hands in view.
- If life threatening: immediately call Police on (0) 000. Notify security on 333 or 9905 3333.
- Record incident details including person description
- Inform your supervisor.
If you feel safe
- Engage in conversation.
- Be aware the situation may escalate very quickly.
- Calm the person if possible.
- Understand their concerns and direct them to the Counselling Service.
- Maintain clear personal boundaries.
- Summon help if required.
Written, phone or observed threatening, or other concerning behaviours
- Notify Security on 333 or 9905 3333
or
in the event of immediate threat or danger, call the Police: (0) 000
or - To seek confidential advice contact the Safer Community Unit:
Telephone: (03) 990 51599
communitycare@monash.edu
General Assistance
- Do not leave the person alone.
- Assess danger to themselves or others — keep them away from potential danger.
- Reassure the person by talking calmly to them. Tell them that you will stay with them until assistance arrives.
- Get the person to control their breathing. Breathe in and out in unison to the count of three. Use your hands in an up and down motion to signal the tempo. Maintain eye contact.
- Engage the person by talking — ask straightforward questions. Listen non-judgmentally.
- Ask if there is someone you could call to come and be with them.