According to the World Health Organisation, 50% of all mental illnesses begin before the age of 14, and 75% by the mid-twenties. Countries around the world are moving forward on this and developing programmes in schools, communities and promoting wellbeing as it is important to be proactive rather than reactive.
So hopefully people who are experiencing mental health problems will be able to access support and services at an earlier stage, as the general public gain more understanding about mental health.
Mental health is as important as physical health, and both can be very disabling to a person who is experiencing them. Unlike physical health, mental health is not as visible as it is often difficult to see, unlike say a broken arm or leg.
Mental as well as physical health is a core part of wellbeing.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an accredited international programme which is delivered in over 20 countries worldwide. It is a training course that is designed for parents, teachers, trainers and the general population to learn the signs, symptoms of the 5 main mental health problems that affect young people and what to do in a mental health crisis. Participants learn how to deliver mental health first aid to young people and have more awareness.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental health first aid is the help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves.
What is the Youth Mental Health First Aid course?
The Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is based on the international MHFA Guidelines. These guidelines were developed using consensus of mental health consumers, carers and professionals from English-speaking developed countries. The course is delivered in over 20 countries and has been delivered in HK for over 10 years in Cantonese. I am the first native English Instructor to deliver this course in Hong Kong.
Course Content
The Youth MHFA course teaches adults, teachers and parents how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis.
Developing mental health problems covered in the course are:
Depression, Anxiety problems, Eating disorders, Psychosis, Substance use problems.
Nine Mental health crises are covered during the course:
Suicidal thoughts and behaviours, Non-suicidal self-injury, Panic attacks, Traumatic events, severe psychotic states, severe effects from alcohol or other drug use, Aggressive behaviours.
What do you learn?
Participants will learn about adolescent development and the signs and symptoms of these mental health problems, where and how to get help and what sort of help has been shown by research to be effective.
Course Format This is a 14-hour course. The delivery format is flexible, usually 2 7 hour days. Or 4 3.5 hour sessions. Course participants receive a copy of the Youth MHFA Manual to keep and a Certificate of Completion.
YMHFA Hong Kong is taught in English, max 20 people per course
Course dates
TBC contact for details
