What Mental Health First Aid Taught Me About Listening

Last week I spent a day in an Adult Mental Health First Aid course. Many of us have some idea of what to do if someone collapses or chokes. Far fewer of us know what to do when a coworker, friend, or family member is struggling in a way we can't see.

The course teaches a simple action plan for those moments. The piece that stayed with me most was the instruction to listen without judging.

As a yoga teacher, my instinct when someone is stressed is to offer a tool. Breathe slower. Roll your shoulders. Try this stretch. Those tools help, and I'll keep teaching them. But the training reminded me that sometimes the first and most useful thing you can do is stop, give the person your full attention, and let them talk.

It also reminded me to know my limits. Yoga and breathwork are wonderful for everyday stress. They aren't treatment for a mental health condition. Part of caring for someone is knowing when to gently encourage them to reach out to a doctor or counselor, and knowing where that help can be found.

I kept thinking about the workplace. Coworkers are often the first to notice when someone isn't themselves. They might be pulling away, short-tempered, or quieter than usual in meetings. Most people want to help and simply don't know what to say, so they say nothing.

If you take one thing from this, let it be this: the next time a coworker says "I'm fine" and it doesn't sound fine, ask once more. Then listen, without rushing to fix anything.

If you lead a team or run a business, I'd recommend this training. It changes how you show up for people.

Satyavathi (Devi) Balla is the founder of Luminine, offering yoga for workplace stress in person in New Jersey and virtually nationwide. She is a Certified Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist, and Face Rejuvenation Specialist.

(732) 395-1402 · theluminine.com