tMHFA (Teen Mental Health First Aid): Why focus on teen mental health in schools?

By Johnna Denbow, MSHS, OCPSA, Certified tMHFA Instructor

Appalachian communities are notorious for not seeking help when there is a mental health challenge or crisis. There isn’t any one specific reason but many, maybe they do not know the resources available to them, they may not have transportation to a local mental health facility, they may not have insurance to cover care when needed, but ultimately, it is due to not wanting others to judge them or to know their business. I am a true Appalachian born and raised in Morgan County and currently residing in Morgan County. I have seen many not seek help, including myself; however since I started my career in Human Services many years ago, I have observed how mental health has declined over the years. Fortunately, we now have the tools to share with teenagers in high schools throughout the region. One outstanding resource we have is tMHFA (Teen Mental Health First Aid) and it can be taught in any High School within Appalachia by a certified tMHFA instructor. This evidence-based program is designed to encourage more open conversations about mental health, fostering a supportive environment, and significantly improve mental health awareness and the ability to identify and respond to mental health challenges. tMHFA is a tool that schools and communities can utilize to help prevent teen mental crises and to promote teen wellness, peer support, and healthy development.

Recognizing that teens prefer to share their problems with peers, tMHFA teaches teens in grades 9- 12 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends.

The training gives teens the skills to have supportive conversations with their friends and get a responsible and trusted adult to take over, as necessary. It is designed to be delivered to schools or community sites in three 90-minute or six 45-minute interactive classroom sessions which:

· Address common mental health concerns among teens.

· Reduce stigma.

· Teach teens a 5-step Action Plan to help friends who may be facing a mental health challenge or crisis.

· Teach teens to involve a responsible and trusted adult, as necessary.

WHY tMHFA??? (teen Mental Health First Aid)

• Half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14 and 75 percent begin by the mid-twenties.

• About two thirds of teens with a mental health issue do not receive the care they need.

• Many teens prefer to talk to their friends for support, and those friends may not always have the skills to help.

• Teens are uniquely impacted by mental health and are reporting elevated levels of stress and anxiety, The focus on physical health and safety means teens’ mental health concerns may go unaddressed, which can lead to worsening mental health and even crisis.

· When teens use the skills that they learn in teen Mental Health First Aid, they may be the first person to offer support to a friend when they are in need. This can help them feel like they are not alone and be a vital resource in connecting them with a trusted adult. With the skills to recognize when their friend might be struggling, they can take the first step in reaching out. Their body language, what they say, and how well they listen can have a powerful impact. They are not responsible for their friend’s journey, and they do not have to help them alone. Adults in the school or organization have been trained so they can provide additional support to the teens and their friends. As a teen Mental Health First Aider, they can be the one to make a difference in the life of their friend who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. Their First Aid actions can be that initial step towards hope in their friend’s journey.