By Shinlay Chu Rivera, Ph.D., LMHC
Adolescence is a time of change, whether physical, emotional, cognitive or behavioral. Some of these changes can be challenging, especially if occurring at the same time as a developing mental illness such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, anorexia, bulimia, substance use or attention deficit.
Each year, more than 27 percent of teenagers between 13 and 18 years old are affected with a mental health or substance-use disorder. Because some symptoms of mental illness are similar to normal adolescent development, it can be difficult to know if the young person is experiencing natural change, or if it is related to a more-specific mental health disorder. Half of all people who develop a mental illness will have their first episode by the age of 14. However, there often is a significant delay between the onset of symptoms and when the person engages in treatment. This can impact the person’s recovery.
If we can recall our own adolescent years, it is understandable that this time of our lives can be scary and distressing. Some people may be hesitant to talk about their problems or seek treatment because they fear what others might think. It is important to engage the young person in an open and safe conversation, one that is non-judgmental, and more importantly, instills hope that help is available and the challenges can be overcome.
Developers of the Mental Health First Aid program had the goal of empowering the community to provide support in times of mental health crises. The core course, which has been provided in the United States since 2008, has demonstrated its effectiveness in educating the public about mental health issues. It also provides participants with the knowledge and skills to offer support when encountering someone in a mental health crisis, or to assist someone who may be in the early stages of developing a mental illness. The youth version of the course was developed and implemented in the United States in 2012. As a public education program, the curriculum is designed with a focus on assisting pre-teens and teens between the ages of 12 to 18 who may be experiencing a mental-health challenge or crisis. Anyone who regularly works with or cares for adolescents or young adults may find this course helpful. Research supports that this course improves its participants’ knowledge, attitudes and helping behaviors. Awareness and knowledge are key. Sometimes the biggest hurdle is overcoming fears and misconceptions of mental illnesses. This course provides information and experiential activities to promote understanding of the impact of mental illnesses on a person and that person’s family.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course where participants will learn about adolescent development, warning signs of potential mental health problems, risk factors and protective factors. Participants will also be able to practice skills to assess for a mental-health crisis, learn how to provide initial help and about available resources. The course provides a five-step action plan which includes assessing for risk of suicide or harm, listening non-judgmentally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging appropriate professional help, and encouraging self-help, in addition to other support strategies. The goals are to recognize symptoms and signs of a mental-health problem and to provide early intervention before the problem becomes a full-blown crisis.
In light of recent tragedies, many have questioned if anything could have been done or if there were recognizable warning signs. As a community, there still is a need for us to improve on our ability to engage in open conversations about mental illnesses, free from stigmatizing attitudes. As a Mental Health First Aider, we are not expected to provide therapy or to be able to diagnose, but we can play a significant role in being the initial contact for a young person who may be disclosing his or her needs for the first time. Research has shown that feeling close to at least one adult can be the most-powerful protective factor in a young person’s life. All of us are in contact with adolescents and young adults in our community, whether it is a part of our daily jobs or it is someone in our own family. Being available and approachable may be all that young person needs in order to get the appropriate help.
Bio:
Dr. Shinlay Chu Rivera is a graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 10 years of experience in agency work, including crisis intervention and stabilization, treatment of co-occurring disorders, forensics, integrated healthcare, and family services, from both a practitioner and managerial role. She has been a certified Mental Health First Aid trainer since May 2012.