A Youth Mental Health First Aider role is very similar to a physical first aider. For instance, if a first aider saw someone with a broken a leg, they would give first aid until the paramedics stepped in, but not continue further treatment. Mental Health First Aid is designed to follow the exact same process – you support the individual, and assist with the situation until professional care can be administered.

Youth online mental health first aid training gives you structure and strategies to utilise if you encounter someone who experiences depression, distress, psychosis, and other psychological conditions. After the course you will be able to better identify symptoms like depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior, eating disorders, self- harm, psychosis etc.

You will be able to react in a supportive way, ask the right questions, with a view  to de-escalating the situation. It is a very handy ‘toolkit’ to have. 

So what would you do if you came accross a young person in distress?

The MHFA training provides learners with the detailed plan – this is called the ALGEE action plan. The acronym stands for Approach, Listen, Give support, Encourage to seek professional support, Encourage support others.

The course itself is interesting and interactive. The delegates participate in various role play scenarios and case studies. You will learn interesting and relevant statistics around youth mental health – for example, did you know that in the UK more people die because of poor mental health (suicide)  than in car accidents?

Youth mental health first aid covers England’s child health care policy, statistics on youth mental health as well as some common misconceptions around children’s  mental health. Also covered are risk and protective factors and the ALGEE action plan and recovery.

1. Depression and anxiety.  What are the most common signs and symptoms. Risk factors. First aid for depression.
2. Suicide and psychosis.  What are warning signs and risk factors for suicide? How can you deliver first aid for a suicidal crisis.  You will learn the action plan for mental health emergencies like suicide and psychotic episodes.
3. Self-harm and eating disorders.  You will learn about self-harm risk factors. What are the symptoms of self harm?. Why do children self-harm? What are the different types of eating disorders? How to to approach to the young person experiencing mental health difficulties and implement an action plan.