A Southland-born mental health specialist will be sharing her expertise next month in Te Anau on how to skill up on a first aid for mental health.

Almost everyone has a first aid kit stored in their house or car, and many go further to get certified. 

But for mental health occupational therapist Rachel Kincaid, people can also learn similar basics surrounding their own mental health and for those around them. 

Mrs Kincaid recently returned to Southland, where she was born, after nine years working in Auckland specialising in community mental health and as a mental health clinician. 

In talking with people who had their finger on the pulse on the Te Anau community, such as GPs and teachers, she said she saw a need for a beginning workshop on some mental health basics.

She said it became apparent that there was quite a desire for the community to talk about mental health and learn how to support themselves and one another. 

Rural communities like Te Anau also faced additional challenges when it came to its isolation, putting additional barriers to access care, on top of stressful work loads.

"Particularly in Southland, we have quite a stoic community. People perhaps... put on a brave face.

"There's quite a high value on productivity, so often that can be something that actually further compounds mental health issues, not being able to talk about things or say, 'Hey, I'm not okay'."

With physical first aid, one would learn the basic signs of a heart attack were, basic treatment, and how to call for support. 

Mrs Kincaid said her workshop aimed to provide basic skills when it came to mental health challenges, such as recognising risk factors, signs and symptoms, and how to talk to a loved one. 

"It's looking at: how do we recognise the signs that someone may be suffering from a mental health condition? Then, how do we support people, whether it's a family member or a colleague?

"And also being able to apply that to yourself as well."

So far the response to the upcoming workshop had been positive and it was a conversation she said she was eager to start. 

"I'm really passionate...about the importance of having more mental health support that's actually already in the community because then you've got people who have a vested interest. They understand the community and they're a lot more accessible as well."

"Starting the Conversation: Mental Health First-Aid in Our Community" takes place at the Te Anau School hall on Wednesday, June 5, from 7 to 8.30pm. Adult tickets are $15 cash at the door; free entry for youth ages 12 to 18.

Rachel's advice for approaching mental health concerns:

1. Look out for signs. Examples include becoming quieter or withdrawn; changes to sleep or appetite; short temper; not turning up to work or events as they usually would; increase in substance use; it seems like they are distracted or far away; and forgetfulness.
2. Use a non-threatening environment. Mrs Kincaid said going for a walk was a great example because it didn't feel confrontational. 
3. Ask an open-ended question. Some examples are: "I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately. What’s going on for you?" or "This is a bit left field but I just wanted to check in and see how you are managing?" If you need to set them at ease, remind them it's okay to not be okay. 
4. Meet them with empathy and validate their experience. “It sounds like you have been feeling really low." is one example. Or, “From what you're saying things haven’t been very good".
5. Don’t try to fix the problem. Instead, create a plan together. Some key ideas: “Do you know what you need or what would help?”, “Is it okay if I check in from time to time and see how you're managing?”, “Have you thought about going to have a chat with a professional?
6. For advice for yourself or others free call or text 1737.