Mental Health First Aid: How to Help Teens and PreTeens

In recent weeks, there have been SEVERAL suicides in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. These youth and young adults may have been saved from following through with a plan to kill themselves if they had the help and support they so badly needed. Here's how you can help.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a program ABOUT youth -- not FOR youth. The 2-evening course will teach parents, peers, family members, teachers, neighbors, and caregivers how to help an adolescent (age 12 - 18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

Experts point to mental health challenges as significant risk factors for youth suicide. Peer pressure, anxiety issues, depression, being the victim of bullying....these are all signs that a preteen or teen needs your help before they turn to avenues like cutting, drugs, and suicide.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews, typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include anxiety, depression substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADD/ADHD), and eating disorders.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required for this event at Wall Municipal Building (lower level) on Monday, May 11th and Monday, May 18th, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm. The cost is $20 per person and includes a simple supper at 5 pm.

CLICK HERE to register.