Suicide is a serious public health concern, and young people are particularly vulnerable. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to equip our youth with the knowledge and skills to support their peers in need. One promising approach is teen Mental Health First Aid (teen MHFA), a program designed to teach adolescents how to recognize signs of mental health distress, including suicidal thoughts, and provide initial support.
Imagine a world where teenagers feel comfortable talking openly about mental health, where they know how to recognize when a friend is struggling, and where they have the confidence to offer support. This is the vision behind teen MHFA. This innovative program empowers young people with crucial mental health literacy skills, enabling them to become valuable resources within their social circles.
How Teen MHFA Works
- Recognizing the Signs: Teen MHFA focuses on equipping participants with the ability to identify common mental health challenges among their peers, such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Developing Essential Skills: The program emphasizes practical skills, such as how to approach a friend in distress, offer emphatic listening, and provide basic support while encouraging professional help.
- Building Confidence: By participating in interactive exercises and simulations, teens gain the confidence to initiate conversations about mental health and offer support effectively.
The Impact of Teen MFHA
Studies have shown that teen MHFA can significantly increase:
- Recognition of Suicidal Thoughts: Participants become more adept at identifying potential warning signs of suicide in their peers.
- Intentions to Help: Teen MHFA empowers young people to feel confident in their ability to offer support to a friend in need.
Addressing Concerns
While open discussion about mental health can be emotionally challenging, studies have shown that any initial distress experienced by participants is typically transient and does not lead to long-term negative impacts.
Empowering the Next Generation MHFA
Teen MHFA is a vital step towards creating a more supportive and understanding environment for young people. By investing in this program, we can empower our youth to become mental health advocates and play a crucial role in preventing suicide among their peers.
Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health
If you are concerned about your teen’s mental health, consider these resources:
- Telehealth Services: Telehealth provides convenient access to mental health professionals, offering therapy sessions from the comfort of your home.
- EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
If you need expert therapy services in California, Texas, and Oregon, Dr. Sara C is a highly rated EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapist. Serving Newport Beach, CA; Beverly Hills, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Jacksonville, OR; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX, she provides outstanding telehealth therapy.
In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Hart, L. M., Cropper, P., Morgan, A. J., Kelly, C. M., & Jorm, A. F. (2019). teen Mental Health First Aid as a school-based intervention for improving peer support of adolescents at risk of suicide: Outcomes from a cluster randomised crossover trial. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 54(4), 382–392. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004867419885450