Youth Mental Health Awareness JAMIE KURIGER RUTH LIEBOLD

Youth Mental Health Awareness JAMIE KURIGER RUTH LIEBOLD

What are mental health challenges and mental disorders? Mental Disorder or Mental Illness Diagnosable illness that affects a person s thinking, emotional state, and behavior. Disrupts the ability to work or carry out other daily activities and engage in satisfying personal relationships. Mental Health Challenge Broader term including both mental disorders and symptoms of mental disorders that may not be severe enough to warrant the diagnosis. Caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological and/or environmental factors. Recovery is not simply a matter of will and self-discipline.

How common are Mental Disorders and Mental Health Challenges? Percentage of Youth ages 13-18 with Mental or Addictive Disorders in a given year Prevalence (%) With severe impact (%) Anxiety disorders 31.9 8.3 Behavior disorders 19.1 9.6 Mood disorders 14.3 11.2 Substance use disorders 11.4 11.4 Overall prevalence 22.2

YOUTH 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

Mental Health First Aid for Youth & Young Adults Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person experiencing a mental health challenge, mental disorder, or a mental health crisis. It is the first aid given until appropriate professional help is received or until the crisis resolves. Mental Health First Aid aims to Preserve life when a person may be a danger to self or others Prevent the problem from becoming more serious Promote recovery Provide comfort & support Help identify or guide a person to appropriate resources & supports Mental Health First Aid teaches the public how to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to offer & provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate treatments & other supportive help. Mental Health First Aid does not teach people to diagnose or provide therapy.

Why Mental Health First Aid for Youth & Young Adults? Mental health challenges & disorders often develop during adolescence, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. Mental health challenges & disorders are common, approximately one in five youth & adolescents experience a mental health challenge. Youth & Young Adults may not be well informed about how to get help or seek help Stigma & discrimination are associated with mental health challenges & disorders. Better understanding of the experiences of young people with mental health challenges & disorders can reduce prejudice & discrimination. Young people with mental health challenges or mental disorders may not be aware that they need help. Parents, caregivers, or other adults close to the young person can facilitate appropriate help. Professional help is not always available. That s why it is important to offer immediate first aid & assist the young person in getting appropriate professional help & supports. Mental health & first aid has been found to be effective. Several research studies shown that training in Mental health challenges & builds confidence to individuals to offer help.

Youth Mental Health Opinions Quiz Please circle your reaction to the following statements 1. It is not a good idea to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal in case you put the idea in their head. 2. Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental disorders. 3. If someone has a traumatic experience, it is best to make them talk about it as soon as possible. 4. Males complete suicide four times more frequently than females. 5. Antidepressant medication works right away. 6. It is best to get someone having a panic attack to breathe into a paper bag. 7. A first-aider can distinguish a panic attack from a heart attack. 1. Exercise can help relieve depressive and anxiety disorders. 9.People with psychosis usually come from dysfunctional families. 10. It is best not to try to reason with people having delusions. 11. People who talk about suicide don t attempt suicide. 12. Psychosis is a lifelong illness. 13. People with psychosis are more at risk of being victims of violent crime. 14. Smoking is much more common among people with mental health problems. 15. People with mental health problems tend to have a better outcome if family members are not critical of them.

Answers to Quiz 1. It is not a good idea to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal in case you put the idea in their head. 2. Schizophrenia is one of the most common mental disorders. 3. If someone has a traumatic experience, it is best to make them talk about it as soon as possible. 4. Males complete suicide four times more frequently than females. 5. Antidepressant medication works right away. 6. It is best to get someone having a panic attack to breathe into a paper bag. 7. A first-aider can distinguish a panic attack from a heart attack. 1. Exercise can help relieve depressive and anxiety disorders. 9.People with psychosis usually come from dysfunctional families. 10. It is best not to try to reason with people having delusions. 11. People who talk about suicide don t attempt suicide. 12. Psychosis is a lifelong illness. 13. People with psychosis are more at risk of being victims of violent crime. 14. Smoking is much more common among people with mental health problems. 15. People with mental health problems tend to have a better outcome if family members are not critical of them.