By Melissa Schroeder
Did you know that 1 in 5 teens and young adults live with a mental health condition ¹. According to the Archives of General Psychiatry 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-twenties.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches those trained in how to identify, recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among youth ages twelve through eighteen. Youth Mental Health First Aid covers the common signs of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The course takes a deeper dive into fostering connections with a young person who needs help and highlights how to respond with the Mental Health 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.
Mental Health First Aid is designed for teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth professionals, parents, and any adult who works with youth. In early February CCE Schuyler Executive Director and Association Issue Leader, Melissa Schroeder, had the opportunity to participate in the blended learning for Youth Mental Health First Aid. Mel completed a three-hour, self-paced online course, participated in a six hour in-person instructor led training and successfully passed the assessment that grants certification for three years. This was Mel’s second time completing Youth Mental Health First Aid training which is invaluable during the busy summer months at camp.
The training was sponsored by the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research and is part of a pilot program.
