A simple guide to Youth Mental Health First Aid

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid? The MHFA course is an evidence-based training course focused on debunking the myths surrounding the mental health of young people. It provides essential knowledge for adults on how to spot the early signs of mental distress in youth, and how to approach the situation for better chances of recovery.

In this post, we’ll be covering more information about Youth Mental Health First Aid, as well as its benefits, who will benefit from this training, and how to enrol.

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?

The MHFA course seeks to inform and educate adults about the importance of mental health in youth. It encourages more people to be aware of the challenges in young people’s lives, giving them the right tools to assist those people with their mental health concerns. The root of such concerns is, sadly, not being addressed as it should.

As stated by headspace’s National Youth Mental Health Survey, 34% of Australian young people have reported either high or very high levels of psychological distress in 2020. Although people may try to help, some of them don’t know how to. This is why they should seek trusted knowledge about when to intervene, what to ask, and how to deal with difficult symptoms like sudden outbursts and crying spells.

When in difficult situations, adults must resort to the right tactics. The Youth Mental Health First Aid course will help you know just what to do, and when to do it.

The benefits of Youth Mental Health First Aid

The course brings several benefits to all participants, including:

A clear and practical action-plan

If you’re enrolling in a course, you’ll certainly want in-depth tips that you can apply immediately upon learning. Our course is designed to do just that. We’ll give you evidence-based tips you can put to use right away, which makes this training ideal for times of crisis.

Knowing how to properly deal with children and teenagers in emotional distress

It can be hard for young people to control themselves when they, too, have no idea what’s going on. Being in a moment of distress requires an adult presence, but not just any presence. During emotional turmoil, a child or teenager needs an adult who can help them calm down fast, and prevent that episode from recurring. Learning about mental health can help you understand a young person’s behaviour. And it can help you work out if mental health issues might be a factor.

Strengthening your bond with someone you care about

One of the most common reasons for family arguments and estrangement is a feeling of being unsupported. If children feel like their parents or caregivers don’t care about their suffering, they’ll justifiably distance themselves.

On the other hand, adults who show sympathy for their children’s mental health issues will earn their trust. Their children will feel loved, welcomed, and will trust them for advice when things get difficult.

Who should attend a Youth Mental Health First Aid course?

The course is designed for anyone who wants to support people that are going through struggles with their mental health. Whether you’re the parent of an adolescent, a teacher, or a coach, you’ll be informed about the most common mental health issues in youth and how to handle them, if and when they arise.

Sadly, a lot of parents either deny their kids’ mental health concerns or simply have no idea how to address them. By enrolling in the training, you’ll be qualified to engage in deep, honest conversations surrounding mental health – instead of dismissing a kid’s suffering, even if unintentionally, due to a lack of resources.

What does a Youth Mental Health First Aid course cover?

The Youth Mental Health First Aid is an educational course, which focuses on providing early mental help for the young people who need it. By enrolling, participants will learn more about:

The key components of adolescent development

In order to know what may be causing a certain set of symptoms, such as irritability or mood swings, it’s imperative to be aware of the potential reasons behind those behaviours. Learning about the determinant factors in adolescent development will help you understand that no conduct, however unexpected, comes out of nowhere.

Common myths and misunderstandings about mental illness

Have you ever thought something along the lines of…. “Your child’s rage fit is normal during that age. And don’t worry, they’re not depressed – they’re just lazy.”

These are just a couple of misunderstandings children and teenagers have to deal with on a daily basis, which could dismiss a more serious problem. Educating yourself will help you tell apart normal circumstances from disorder behaviour, as well as prevent you from overlooking telltale signs.

Learn to pinpoint concerning symptoms

Do you recognise the symptoms that may highlight a mental health concern in young people? You should. The earlier you’re able to tell if a young person is mentally struggling, the easier their recovery process will be. If you care about their mental wellbeing, you’ll strive to help them find the right treatment as soon as possible.

Enrol in a Youth Mental Health First Aid Course today

The conversation around our youth’s health and wellbeing has never been more important. When you seek out trusted resources and aim to fight the stigma, you become an advocate for the mental health of those you care about.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid course will supply you with the tools you need to proactively address a young person’s mental health trouble and encourage them to seek professional help. Book into a course today, or check out our other courses. We run our training programs for individuals as well as organisations. If your workplace needs Mental Health First Aid skills, get in touch.