Commit 2 Connect
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Mission
Commit to Connect (C2C) is an initiative to combat mental illness and substance use among children and youth by training adults in using Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA).
YMHFA delivers principles and information to recognize, assess, provide immediate care and make connections for services when they observe signs and symptoms of emotional distress in the young people whom they come in contact with every day through their work activities.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
YMHFA is a program designed to help youth by educating those who regularly interact with young people to identify and act on signs that the young person is experiencing a mental health challenge, mental disorder, or a mental health crisis. The eight-hour course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, disruptive behavior disorders and substance use disorder. It builds an understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an adolescent who is in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide therapy or counseling; rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis. YMHFA primarily covers the issues facing adolescents. The research and information presented are for adolescents 12-18 years of age.
Adults who regularly interact with adolescents are the primary audience for YMHFA. This includes:
- Parents
- Teachers
- School administrators and other school personnel
- Coaches
- Camp counselors
- After-school program staff
- Scout and other youth leaders
- Youth mentors
- Youth volunteers
- Youth faith leaders
- Health professionals
Mental Health First Aid is an international program proven to be effective. Peer-reviewed studies published in Australia, where the program originated, show that individuals trained in the program:
- Grow their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions
- Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental illness or addiction
- Increase their confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress
- Show increased mental wellness themselves
Studies also show that the program reduces the social distance created by negative attitudes and perceptions of individuals with mental illnesses. In addition participants learn to:
- Recognize the signs that a young person may be dealing with a mental health challenge or crisis
- Reach out to a young person who may be dealing with a mental health challenge
- Assist a young person who may be dealing with a mental health problem or crisis to seek professional help
Program information
You may know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. You can call 911. But can you administer first aid in a mental health crisis?
It's easy to telI when someone is having a heart attack, is choking, or can't breathe. But what does depression look like? Or anxiety? What would you say to a person you know who says they are thinking about suicide? How can you help in a panic attack?
It emphasizes the importance of early intervention and covers how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge. The youth course is intended for anyone 16 years or older to learn how to help young people.
1 in 5 teens/young adults live with a mental health condition – half develop the condition by age 14 and three-quarters by age 24. (National Alliance for Mental Illness)
1 in 5 American children ages 3 -17 have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder in any given year. Only 20% of these children are ever diagnosed and receive treatment; 80% aren't receiving treatment. (TODAY via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 - 24, resulting in about 4,600 lives lost in the U.S. each year. (CBS News via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
64.1% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment. (Mental Health America)
About the curriculum:
Learn more about the ALGEE Action Plan
(The information below is not intended to be a substitute for the certification training that teaches participants how to use this 5 step action plan):
A - Assess for Risk of Suicide or Harm
Based on what you are seeing, determine severity of symptoms. When helping an adolescent who is going through a mental health crisis, it is important to look for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury, or other harm.
Always seek emergency medical help if the person’s life is in immediate danger. If you have reason to believe someone may be actively suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
L - Listen Non-judgmentally
It may seem simple, but the ability to listen and have a meaningful conversation requires skill and patience. Maintaining an attitude of Acceptance, Genuineness, and Empathy is critical in helping a youth feel Heard, Understood, and Helped.
G - Give Reassurance and Information
Approach the conversation with respect and dignity and don’t blame the individual for his or her symptoms. Let the youth know that they are not alone, that it isn’t their fault, and that they can get better. Your goal is to reduce the stigma and shame associated with mental illness. Provide knowledge about mental illness, and indicate that it is no different than any other physical illness. Provide information and give the youth hope of recovery.
E - Encourage Appropriate Professional Help
There are many types of professionals that help individuals with mental illness, and navigating the mental healthcare system can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to simplify the process.
E - Encourage Self Help and Other Support Strategies
Individuals with mental illness can contribute to their own recovery and wellness. Involve youth in creating other options; ask what has helped in the past. Promising self-help strategies are interesting to the young person, promote a sense of satisfaction, may be social, and help with symptom management.
SCHEDULE A YMHFA TRAINING IN YOUR AREA
The UofL team is available to conduct training for specific groups. We recommend a class size of between 15 and 25 participants per training. We also require a facility in which to provide the training, with tables to accommodate the number of participants. Classes can be done in different ways to suit your agency schedules. If you know of any groups that might want to schedule a training, please contact Emily Watts.
In addition, there are a number of general training being planned over the course of the year. Watch for future announcements.
YMHFA TEAM
Emily Watts, MSSW
Program Manager
Email Emily Watts
Phone: (502)852-1126
Melissa King
Research Manager
Email Melissa King
Dr. Bibhuti Sar
Principal Investigator
Email Dr. Bibhuti Sar
Phone: (502)852-3932
Why is Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training Important?
- 1 in 5 teens and young adults live with a mental health condition.
- About 50% of students ages 14 and older with a mental illness drop out of high school.
- 5.13% of youth report having a substance use or alcohol problem.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 and 24.
What is Youth Mental Health First Aid?
YMHFA teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This 8-hour evidence-based training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to appropriate care. The National Council for Behavioral Health was instrumental in bringing MHFA to the U.S.
What is covered in the Youth Mental Health First Aid training?
- Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and substance use.
- How to interact with an adolescent in crisis.
- How to connect the adolescent with help.
What does the University of Louisville YMHFA Team provide?
- Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Co-Instructors
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Participant Manuals for each participant
- An active and engaging 8-hour YMHFA Training at your program site catered to your program’s needs. The training can be taught in one day or over two days.
- Resource and Referral Guide to assist in referring youth for the help that they need.
- Ongoing support in implementing YMHFA.
What are the expectations for those who receive the YMHFA training?
- Use the proven 5-step action plan provided during the training to assist youth experiencing difficulties such as mental illness and substance use disorders.
- Track any referrals to made to help youth connect with appropriate care.
- Help reduce mental health stigma and normalize mental health conversations.
- Be the one to make a difference!
Where can you learn more information?
- If you would like more information about how to host this training, please contact Emily Watts.
- For more information about Mental Health First Aid, visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
Join the over 1 million Americans already trained in Mental Health First Aid!
#BeTheDifference