Supporting Youth Mental Wellbeing

Having a serious conversation about mental health with a young person can be challenging, to say the least. So, how do you start the conversation? What should you bring up? How much is too much information? And should it even be discussed? We have the answers.

According to our Mental Health First Aid curricula, national studies estimate 22.2% of youth in the U.S. will have a mental health challenge that significantly impacts their life. This makes it likely that an adult will interact with an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health challenge. Adults who interact with young people need access to information and resources about how to have conversations with kids and answer tough questions. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) can help.

YMHFA is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help adolescents (age 12-18) who are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or are in crisis. It is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.

Recognizing mental health challenges is the first step toward helping a young person. To learn more, download our fact sheet. Want to #BeTheDifference for young people in your community? Find a YMHFA course near you and register for a training!