Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a free course led by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

WHY YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.

WHO SHOULD KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID?

• Teachers
• School staff
• Clergy
• Camp Counselors
• Youth Group Leaders
• Parents
• Adults who work with youth

WHAT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COVERS

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
• How to connect the youth with help.
• Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE):

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm.
• Listen nonjudgmentally.
• Give reassurance and information.
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Did you know?

• 10.2% of youth will be diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder in their lifetime. (Source: Youth Mental Health First Aid)
• 1 in 5 teens and young adults live with a mental health condition. (Source: National Alliance for Mental Illness)
• 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20’s. (Source: Archives of General Psychiatry)

For questions, contact Melissa Gleason at melissa.gleason@sgmc.org or 229-433-8408.