Psychological First Aid at Sea — Taking the Conversation Further

Psychological First Aid at Sea — Taking the Conversation Further

What to Listen For — and When It’s Time to Step In

So… you’ve noticed something’s off.
You’ve checked in.
They’re talking. Maybe for the first time.

Now what?

This is where most of us freeze — because listening to someone’s trauma is heavy. We want to fix, change the subject, or give advice.

But the most powerful thing you can do next is simple:

Practice Reflective Listening

Not therapy. Not coaching.
Just being present and reflecting what you’re hearing — so they feel seen.

Try this:
• “That sounds heavy.”
• “It makes sense you’d feel that way after what you’ve been through.”
• “I can hear how much that’s been sitting with you.”
• “You’re carrying a lot right now.”

No advice. No judgment. Just reflection.
It slows everything down and creates space for them to keep going if they want to.



But Here’s What You’re Listening For — Red Flags

Sometimes, in that space, something comes out that should make you stop.
Words or phrases that mean this is bigger than you — and it’s time to refer or escalate.

Phrases to watch for:
• “I just can’t see the point anymore.”
• “I don’t care what happens to me.”
• “Everyone would be better off without me.”
• “I’m not sleeping — not at all.”
• “I feel like I’m losing control.”
• “Sometimes I wish I could just disappear.”

These are indicators of serious distress — possible suicidal thoughts, severe depression, or trauma spiralling beyond what peer support can hold.

What To Do Next (Without Making It Worse):
• Stay calm — don’t react or panic.
• Acknowledge what they’ve said: “That’s a lot to be carrying. You don’t have to carry it alone.”
• Let them know you will get them support: “I think this is bigger than both of us. Let’s get some proper support around you.”
• Link them: to the Captain, DPA, shoreside mental health support, or emergency services if necessary.


This is Psychological First Aid at its core:
• Recognise when someone needs more than you can give
• Hold space without judgment
• Link them to the right support early — before it becomes a crisis


Next Lesson:

Why Pushing People to “TALK about It” Too Soon After Trauma Can Backfire — and what to do instead.


What’s been the hardest conversation you’ve ever had with someone struggling?

Ps. This photo was made with AI and the copy is my original content from my PSYCH first aid course, that I asked AI to resize for socials!

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