A First Aid Approach to Youth Mental Health

Our young people face a myriad of challenges that can impact their mental well-being. From academic pressures to social media influences and everything in between, the weight of these issues can often feel overwhelming for taiohi.

Indeed, 59% of 16 year olds said they feel stress “always” or “most of the time” – a figure that continues to rise with age (source: 2021 YMCA South & Mid Canterbury Youth Survey).

Limited access to resources such as counselling can exacerbate mental health challenges, making it essential to provide effective support and intervention. That’s why an approach called Youth Mental Health First Aid is gaining ground across the motu.

Youth Mental Health First Aid training is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to support young people experiencing mental health challenges or crises. Just as physical first aid is essential in addressing physical injuries, mental health first aid is crucial in providing timely and appropriate assistance to those in need.

Recently all staff of The Y completed a 2-day intensive training to gain certification in Youth Mental Health First Aid. A key takeaway was the 5-step action plan known as ALGEE that provides a memorable and practical framework for offering support to young people facing mental health challenges:

Assess for risk of suicide or harm: The first step involves assessing the situation to determine if taiohi are at risk of harming themselves or others. It’s essential to approach this step with sensitivity and empathy while gathering information about the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Listen non-judgmentally: Active listening is an important skill. It involves giving taiohi your full attention, maintaining eye contact, and demonstrating empathy. Listening non-judgmentally creates a safe space for the young person to express their thoughts and feelings without fear of being judged.

Give reassurance and information: Reassurance is vital in helping taiohi feel supported and understood. Providing accurate information about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available support services can help alleviate anxiety and uncertainty. It’s essential to offer hope and encouragement while acknowledging the young person’s feelings and experiences.

Encourage appropriate professional help: While Youth Mental Health First Aid provides initial support, it’s essential to encourage taiohi to seek professional help from a qualified mental health professional or trusted adult. This may involve providing information about local mental health services, helplines, or community resources. Encouraging the young person to reach out for professional support demonstrates that they are not alone and that help is available.

Encourage self-help and other support strategies: Empowering taiohi to develop coping skills and self-care strategies is an essential part of Youth Mental Health First Aid. Encourage the young person to engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness, or spending time with supportive friends and family members. Additionally, helping the young person identify other sources of support, such as peer support groups or online communities, can further enhance their resilience and recovery.

ALGEE is designed to be flexible and adaptable to various situations, ensuring that adults can provide effective and compassionate assistance to taiohi in need. It’s a valuable tool for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the mental well-being of young people.