What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

Youth Mental Health First Aid provides you with an understanding of how common mental health issues may affect young people

The importance of Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Mental health describes our wellbeing, both social and emotional.

To develop in a healthy way it is important that young people, and those who care for them, take care of their mental health.

Being able to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health in young people can prevent long term negative effects.

At The Mind Map we are passionate about young people being able to access and receive support.

MHFA training was developed because many people lack the confidence or skills necessary to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Many possess stigmatising attitudes, and lack the confidence to be able to help a young person with a mental health problem.

Early intervention is absolutely crucial in reducing the possible lifelong impact of mental ill-health on young people.

Having good mental health allows young people to

• build healthy relationships,
• make better decisions
• set healthy boundaries.

Life can be difficult and confusing for young people.

Everyone’s teenage experience is different, but being a young person today can be very challenging.

Young people are exploring their identities and planning for their futures.

Stressors like exams, relationships, friends, family and even bullying.

For teenagers, emotions can feel particularly intense.

• Emotional ups and downs, or moods, are a normal and important part of young people’s development.
• Young people experience many strong and changing emotions because this is a time of big changes.
• Understanding how to approach and talk to a youth struggling with emotional ups and downs can help prevent more serious mental health issues in the future.

The pandemic has also had a major effect on youth mental health.

Statistics

4.1 million young people have had symptoms of poor mental health during the pandemic

76% of teenagers said lockdown worsened their mental health and caused physical symptoms

52% of teenagers have turned to harmful coping mechanisms as a result of the pandemic

57% of teens don’t feel optimistic about their future or feel they don’t know what it holds

One in ten young people have experienced a mental health issue.

Another stark statistic is that suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 5-19.

There are many different reasons young people could be struggling.

Academic pressure, social media, bullying, poverty, lack of support.

Roughly half of all lifetime mental disorders in young people start by the mid‐teens.

Severe disorders are typically preceded by less severe disorders that are often not spotted!

That’s why having adults who are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid is so vital.

Training in Youth Mental Health First Aid allows you to be able to listen, reassure and respond.

It may enable you to prevent a crisis from happening.

It will allow you to provide much needed support to a young person who otherwise might not know where to turn.

Let’s explore the different options available for Youth Mental Health First Aid!

Adult MHFA One Day course

This will qualify you as a Youth MHFA Champion.

When you are qualified as a Youth MHFA Champion, you will:

• Display an understanding of the more common mental health issues and the ways they affect young people
• Use your new skills to spot signs of mental ill health in young people and lead them towards the right support
• Confidently and knowledgeably advocate for mental health awareness
• Utilise skills to support positive personal wellbeing

Youth MHFA: Half Day Course

The Youth Half Day course aims to raise awareness of young people’s mental health over an introductory three hour session.

The course will provide you with:

• A knowledge of common mental health issues that affect young people. These include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and psychosis
• Confidence needed to support young people with a mental health issue
• Skills needed to work well with young people experiencing mental health issues
• A quick examination of the course content available on the Youth MHFA: Two Day course

For more information about our Youth MHFA: Half Day Course, click here.  

Youth MHFA: Two Day Course

Completion of qualifies you as a Youth Mental Health First Aider.

You’ll then be able to:

• Demonstrate a wide understanding of young people’s mental health and other factors that can affect personal wellbeing
• Make use of your new skills to notice the triggers and signs of mental ill health
• Confidently approach, reassure, and support young people who may be in distress
• Utilise interpersonal skills, including non-judgemental listening
• Assist a young person in their recovery
• Assist a young person with a long-term mental health issue or a disability
• Take responsibility for your own mental wellbeing

What to Expect on this Youth MHFA training?

A discussion about why the group has chosen to learn about Youth Mental Health First Aid.

The group will discuss the broader definitions of mental health and mental ill health.

The group will also explore the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health.

A number of topics will be explored, including:

• depression
• suicide
• self-harm
• anxiety disorders
• eating disorders
• psychosis.

The group will then explore the recovery process for youths experiencing mental ill health.

They will also explore resilience in the face of mental ill health in young people.

There will be four learning sessions over the two day duration of the course.

For more info about our Youth MHFA: Two Day Course, click here.  

Youth MHFA: Half Day Course

The Youth Half Day course aims to raise awareness of youth mental health. It is an introductory three hour session.

The course will provide you with:

• An understanding of mental health problems in young people that occur more often. These will include anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and psychosis
• The confidence needed to support young people with a mental health issue
• Skills needed to work efficiently and knowledgeably with young people experiencing mental health issues
• Quick consideration of course content available on the Youth MHFA: Two Day course

To find out more information about the Youth MHFA: Half Day Course, click here.  

Each participant receives a certificate and manual to be kept for reference if they complete the course. (This applies to all courses.)

What to expect from the Course?

An effective mix of workshop activities, presentations, and group discussions will be used to guide learning on this Youth MHFA Course.

Up to 16 people can take part in these sessions at any one time.

This helps to ensure participants are safe and supported throughout, as this is the instructor’s priority.

Young people are welcome to participate! However, they must have the permission of a parent or guardian if they are under 16 years-old.

You will finish this training with confidence, knowledge and the vital skills to be able to support young people experiencing any Mental Health issues.

We cost the Youth MHFA courses to suit your budget. We can also offer funded places! Just email: [email protected] with your requirements regarding Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.