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50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20s.
Source: Archives of General Psychiatry; Kessler, R., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K.R., Walters, E.E. (2005, June). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry. 62(6); 593-602. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593
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What’s Mental First Aid?
We’ve all heard of rendering physical first aid, but do you know that there’s something called the mental first aid. Here’s how the toolkit works, understand this so you can rush to the aid of anyone who’s having a mental health breakdown or a panic attack.
And when we understand how to provide mental health first aid, especially to youth, we can identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
Mental Health First Aid covers the following aspects.
• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
• How to connect the youth with help.
• Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.
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10.2% of youth will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder in their lifetime. ~ Source: Youth Mental Health First Aid (2020).
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Who Should Know Mental First Aid?
• Teachers.
• School Staff.
• Coaches.
• Camp Counselors.
• Youth Group Leaders.
• Parents.
• Adults who Work with Youth.
Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE). The acronym ALGEE stands for:
A ssess for risk of suicide or harm.
L isten nonjudgmentally.
G ive reassurance and information.
E ncourage appropriate professional help.
E ncourage self-help and other support strategies.
For more information, visit MHFA.org or email Hello@MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
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1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition. ~ Source: National Alliance for Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/YourJourney/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids
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Things You Don’t Have To Explain To Anyone
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Urgent Mental Health Resources
TXT 4 HELP – National Safe Place: TXT 4 HELP is a free service offered to all youth in crisis. Text4Help is available 24/7 365 for school students.
https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/txt-4-help
On your mobile, type: Text4Help
Text 1-844-201-9946 to be connected to a mental health professional.
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers:
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
Find out other Mental Health Resources HERE.
For Your Spiritual, Mental And Psychological Wellness
Here Are Free Resources For Children, Teens, Adults And Parents
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