Youth Mental Health First Aid
The Importance of Early Interventions
Youth Mental Health First Aid in Australia
Mental health issues among youth have become a pressing concern in Australia, affecting millions of young individuals across different cultures and backgrounds within the country. The prevalence of mental health challenges in young people is concerning, with statistics indicating that one in four young Australians experience a mental health disorder in any given year. To address this growing crisis, early interventions and the implementation of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) have emerged as critical tools in supporting young people's mental wellbeing. This blog post explores the significance of early interventions and the role of YMHFA in promoting youth mental health.
Statistics - Youth Mental Health
Half of all mental health conditions start by age 14, and over 75% occur before age 25.
About 13.9% of children and young people (aged 4 to 17 years) meet the criteria for a mental disorder in a given year.
One in ten young people aged 12 to 17 years will self-harm, and one in 40 will attempt suicide.
Young people are less likely to seek professional help, with only 31% of young women and 13% of young men with mental health problems seeking assistance.
Major depressive disorders are more prevalent in young people (5%) than in children (1.1%).
Nearly one-fifth of young people aged 11 to 17 years experience high or very high levels of psychological distress.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians, with an increase of 25% in suicide rates among 15-17 and 18-24-year-olds over the last decade.
The suicide rate among Indigenous young people is significantly higher than among non-Indigenous young people, with suicide being the leading cause of death for First Nations Peoples children and young people, at a rate three times higher than non-Indigenous individuals.
Understanding Early Interventions
Early interventions are preventive strategies that focus on identifying mental health issues and providing timely support to young people at the initial signs of distress. These interventions are designed to reduce the severity and impact of mental health challenges, improving the overall quality of life for youth. The key goals of early interventions include:
Early Intervention: Identifying early warning signs and symptoms of mental health issues in young individuals allows for timely intervention, preventing the problem from escalating. For individuals who work, live, or interact with young people, completing an education course such as YMHFA becomes a crucial step in equipping themselves with the necessary skills, tools, and understanding to recognise signs of declining mental health in young individuals and intervene early. This training program offers a comprehensive and specialised approach that empowers participants to be proactive and supportive allies in the face of mental health challenges among the youth. We believe ALL teachers should be trained in YMHFA as this would benefit ALL students.
The significance of early interventions cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in preventing situations from exacerbating or leading to the development of secondary issues stemming from a decline in a young person's mental state. These secondary issues may manifest as self-harming behaviours, strained relationships (family/friends/teachers), academic difficulties (early cessation of school), or even substance misuse. By intervening early, concerned individuals can disrupt the negative trajectory and provide much-needed support and guidance to the young person, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Reducing Stigma: By addressing mental health concerns early on, we can challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote a more open and supportive environment for young people. The stigma associated with mental health issues can be a significant barrier to seeking help, particularly for young individuals who may fear judgment or discrimination, even within a family unit. Early interventions not only provide practical support to those in need but also contribute to normalising discussions around mental health. When young people observe that their peers, teachers, caregivers, and community members are proactive and compassionate in addressing mental health challenges, they are more likely to feel comfortable seeking help and expressing their emotions without the fear of being stigmatised. Over time, this shift in attitude can create a cultural change, fostering empathy and understanding around mental health, and ultimately, destigmatising the topic for generations to come.
Promoting Resilience: Early interventions equip young people with coping strategies and resilience-building skills, enabling them to better navigate life's challenges. Building resilience can entail activities such as:
Exploring healthy coping strategies
Self-awareness
Self-care
Understand what is and isn’t within one’s control
Connection - building connections with others through school, sport or someone with whom you have a shared interest
The Role of Youth Mental Health First Aid
YMHFA is a specialised training program designed to educate individuals on how to recognise the signs of mental health challenges in young people and provide appropriate support. Just as physical first aid is essential in responding to physical injuries, YMHFA aims to be the "first aid" for mental health conditions (emerging or in crisis). This program equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to intervene early and effectively in situations involving youth mental health.
Key Components of YMHFA
The YMHFA training program encompasses various critical components, including:
Recognising Warning Signs: Participants learn to identify common signs and symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, non-suicidal self-injury, eating disorders, psychosis and substance misuse.
ALGEE: ALGEE provides a framework for how to have a conversation around mental health. This includes how to approach someone, effective communication and active listening techniques are taught to enable non-judgmental and empathetic support. When and how to encourage a person to get appropriate professional help and encourage people to access and seek other supports they may find helpful.
Crisis Intervention: YMHFA equips individuals with the knowledge to intervene during mental health crises and to direct young people to appropriate professional help. Crisis topics include:
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours
Non-suicidal self-injury (sometimes called deliberate self-harm)
Panic attacks
Traumatic events
Severe effects of drug or alcohol use
Severe psychotic states
Aggressive behaviours
Helpful Mental Health Resources
Headspace: Headspace is a national organisation dedicated to supporting youth mental health in Australia. They provide an extensive range of services, including online counselling, workshops, and resources for young people and their families. (Website: www.headspace.org.au)
Beyond Blue Youth: Beyond Blue offers resources specifically targeted at youth mental health, including information on common mental health issues, coping strategies, and where to seek help. (Website: www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/youth)
ReachOut Australia: ReachOut is an online platform providing practical support for young people struggling with mental health issues, stress, and tough times. (Website: au.reachout.com)
Promoting youth mental health is an essential responsibility shared by communities, families, and individuals alike. By emphasising early interventions and equipping ourselves with the knowledge of Youth Mental Health First Aid, we can create a supportive environment that fosters resilience, empathy, and understanding for young people facing mental health challenges. Together, we can empower our youth to lead healthier, happier lives and build a brighter future for Australia.
For further information contact us today and book a Call to discuss the YMHFA course.