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Mental Health For Youth:
Here’s a mind map rendition of what Mental health for youth looks like.
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Map Explanation Summary:
“Mental Health First Aid” is a toolkit designed to help identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in children and adolescents aged 12-18. It covers common signs and symptoms, how to interact with a youth in crisis, and how to connect them with appropriate help. This training is recommended for various adults who work with youth, and the “ALGEE” action plan outlines the steps to take in a mental health emergency.
Interesting Connections:
1. Expanded Content: The training has expanded its focus beyond the core mental health challenges to include topics like trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying. This suggests a recognition that these factors are closely intertwined with and can significantly influence the mental health of young people.
2. Age Range: The training is designed for children and adolescents aged 12-18, which corresponds to a critical period of physical, emotional, and social development. Addressing mental health during this stage can have a profound impact on an individual’s long-term wellbeing.
3. Broad Audience: The training is recommended for a diverse group of adults, including teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents, and other adults who work with youth. This indicates the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health support, involving various stakeholders in a young person’s life.
4. ALGEE Action Plan: The “ALGEE” acronym provides a structured, easy-to-remember framework for responding to mental health crises. By focusing on assessment, listening, providing reassurance and information, encouraging professional help, and supporting self-help strategies, this action plan aims to empower individuals to take appropriate and effective action in a time of need.
5. Mental Health Statistics: The sobering statistics presented, such as the fact that 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14 and 1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition, underscore the urgency and importance of equipping adults with the knowledge and skills to support young people’s mental health.
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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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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.
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