For Adults Who Interact With Youth

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health is…”a state of well being in

which the individual realizes his or her own

abilities, can cope with the normal stresses

of life, can work productively and fruitfully,

and is able to make a contribution to his or

her community”

A Mental Disorder…”causes major changes

in a persons thinking, emotional state and

behaviour, and disrupts the person’s ability

to function and carry out their usual personal

relationships”

The goals of Mental Health First Aid are:1) Preserve life where a person may be in danger tothemselves or others

2) Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from becoming more serious

3) Promote the recovery of good mental health

4) Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mentalhealth problem

Some of the mental health problems most common in our youth are:

• Substance-related disorders

• Mood disorders• Deliberate self-injury• Anxiety disorders• Eating disorders• Psychotic disorders

What we want to be able to do is…

Recognize the symptoms of mental health problems

Provide initial help

Guide a person towards appropriate professional help

The five basic actions of Mental Health First Aid are:1. Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm

2. Listen non-judgementally

3. Give reassurance and information

4. Encourage the young person to get appropriate professional help

5. Encourage other supports

Have a Plan!

With your dual credit team (instructor and teacher) establish an emergency plan prior to the first day of class

It is extremely important to have this plan if an emergency should arise and one of your students needs professional and/or medical assistance immediately

Check out the tool box for the following resources

For Instructor UseAdolescent DevelopmentYou are Listening to Me When…

To Use With Your StudentsYouth Mental Health SurveySTRESSED?FACT OR MYTH?Comprehensive Health Assessment Inventory of Anger CommunicationMood DisordersStages of Change