What to do in emergencies?

Mental health incidents

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

Before assisting anyone in mental health incidents, your own safety is your priority.

If you are disturbed by an event, seek assistance from the staff or your friends.

When you are ready to help, or are in conversation with someone who is expressing concerns about possible mental health incidents, the following actions can help:

  • Remain patient and calm.
  • DO NOT leave the person alone. If in any doubt, call an ambulance. Find a safe, quieter space to talk. Evaluate whether there’s any risk to themselves or others and keep them away from any hazards. A distressed person can benefit from a calmer environment to help remove external stressors or overwhelming stimuli.
  • Sit them, and help the person focus on slow, rhythmic breathing. Breathe together at a steady pace of three counts in and out, using your hands to guide the rhythm. Maintain eye contact throughout.
  • Take the matter seriously - even attention-seekers can have serious problems and need help.
  • Avoid being confrontational or judgmental. Distressed students can be easily provoked, so avoid humiliating, intimidating or threatening responses. Be mindful of any cultural context and background the students bring.
  • Communicate clearly using short sentences and ask direct questions - if you're concerned about a behaviour, ask the student directly (if they are drunk, confused or are thinking of harming themselves). Be calm and matter-of-fact.
  • Listen with concern and curiosity when the person is talking.
  • Validate their feelings, maybe saying, “I can see this is making you very anxious.”
  • Set boundaries - we often want to support someone as we genuinely care, but it’s crucial to set clear boundaries for your own well-being. This includes limiting interaction time, not sharing personal contact information, and clarifying your role.
  • Calmly, but firmly, encourage the person to go to a doctor for a mental health assessment. Ideally, the person should make an appointment as soon as possible with a mental health provider with whom they can establish a trusting relationship, so they have someone to turn to if the situation worsens. If the situation can be dangerous for the student (and yourself), reach out for an emergency helpline from the nearest hospital.
  • Inquire if there's someone you can call to come and be with them
  • Know your limits - if dealing with a person makes you feel stressed or overwhelmed, afraid or angry, relive similar experiences, then encourage them to seek professional help/ refer to someone you know who can help.
  • Keep safety in mind - maintain a safe distance and identify an escape route in case you need it.

Threatening behaviors

If you don't feel safe

  • Ask the person to leave calmly; do not invade their personal space.
  • Avoid eye contact, remain calm, and keep your hands in view.
  • If you are in a life-threatening situation: immediately call the Police on 110/112.
  • Notify the building security on 021 - 50368368 ext. 13511 (GOP9 building 24-hour emergency hotline), or 08811383455 (Iyon Maulana, Building Management Security)
  • Record incident details, including person description.
  • Inform someone else: SASH Committee or ask.monashindonesia@monash.edu about the incident.

If you feel safe

  • Keep calm and engage in conversation.
  • Be aware that the situation may escalate very quickly.
  • Calm the person if possible.
  • Understand their concerns (if possible) and direct them to seek professional help.
  • Maintain clear personal boundaries.
  • Summon help if required.