1. Youth Mental Health First Aid USA
April 5, 2017
Presented by: Trillium Health
Started in 2001 by a Nurse from Australia. Developed a Curriculum for several different people.

2. What is Youth Mental Health First Aid
It is offered to young people experiencing a mental health challenge.
First Aid given until appropriate help is received or until the crisis is resolved.

3. Why Youth Mental Health
Mental Health problems are common
Mental Health problems often develop during adolescence.
The sooner an individual gets help the more likely they are to have a positive outcome.

4. Prevalence of Mental Disorders
The prevalence of mental disorders in children and youth -to the point at which their life is significantly impacted- is estimated to be approximately 20% during a given year
- Mental Health First Aid USA For Adults Assisting Young People 2016
Females have a high rate of depression than males.
Mood swings are common in adolescence because onset of puberty, very emotional.

5. What is a mental disorder?
Diagnosable illness that affects a person’s thinking, emotional state and behavior
Disrupts the person’s ability to work or attend school or
carry out daily activities
Limits their ability to engage in satisfying relationships

6. Kevin Hines- Advocate- living with a mental illness

7. Signs vs Symptoms of Mental Health IIlness
Pattern adjustments
Appearance: change in the way they dress.
Unrealistic or excessive anxiety, guilt
Loss of motivation
Difficulty making decisions concentrating or remembering things.
Signs- What we see
Symptoms- What they experience
Emotions and Thoughts

8. Consideration when Reaching Out
-Role relationship you have to youth
-Ethical guidelines
- Legal requirements
- Professional restrictions
- Role of family
- Young person’s right to privacy
- Your ability to help.

9. Youth Mental Health First Aid
The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Listen nonjudgmentally
Give reassurance and information
Encourage appropriate professional help
Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
5 step Action Plan for First Aid

10. Effective Communication
Be genuine
Be careful about using slang
Allow for silence
Try different settings for communication to see what works best
Do not compare that young person’s life with your own experiences from that age
Do not trivialize the young person’s feelings
-Mental Health First Aid USA For Adults Assisting Young People 2016
In order to help a person with mental health problems notice signs and symptoms. Get them the help they need.

11. Effective Communication continued
Do not ask the young person to justify or explain their behavior
Watch your body language
Provide positive feedback-Look for and acknowledge the youth’s strengths
Help them find the language they are looking for
Respect the culture by using appropriate language and behavior
Never do anything to cause a person shame
Support person’s right to make decisions about seeking culturally based care
- Mental Health First Aid USA For Adults Assisting Young People 2016