Mental Health First Aid USA is coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

1 Mental Health First Aid is the initial help offered to a person developing a mental health or substance use problem, or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves. What Is Mental Health First Aid?

Why Mental Health First Aid? 2

Why now? 22.2% of children ages 9-17 have a diagnosable mental or addictive disorder Only 20% of children with mental disorders are identified and receive services. In Pennsylvania, suicide is the 1 st leading cause of death for ages In Lehigh County our coroner has investigated 48 suicides as of June and we could reach by the end of the year. Help is available and treatment works!

PREVALENCE U.S. Youth with a Mental Disorder During Adolescence (Age 13-18) Prevalence (%) With severe impact (%) Anxiety disorders Behavior disorders Mood disorders Substance use disorders11.4 n/a Overall prevalence (with severe impact) 22.2

PREVALENCE Additional Prevalence Highlights for U.S. Youth 3% of year-olds have an eating disorder. 11% of school-aged youth have ADD/ADHD.

PREVALENCE Prevalence of Depression in Adolescence

AGE OF ONSET Median Age of Onset

AGE OF ONSET Median Age of Onset ½ of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14; ¾ by age 24. Anxiety Disorders – Age 11 Eating Disorders – Age 15 Substance Use Disorders – Age 20 Schizophrenia – Age 23 Bipolar – Age 25 Depression – Age 32

More than 540,000 trained 6,300+ instructors Has received national policy and media attention Included in SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based programs and practices

Who We’re Reaching

11 There are currently Mental Health First Aiders in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Evidence based program 4 studies completed and two dozen journal articles published on its effectiveness. MHFA studies found that participants gained:  a better recognition of mental disorders;  a better understanding of treatments;  more confident providing help to others;  Improved mental health for themselves  lessened stigmatizing attitudes; and  decreased social distance from people with mental disorders

What Participants Learn 13 Unique Risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use problems in adolescents Information on prevalence of mental health, adolescent development, and protective factors Builds understanding of the importance of early intervention A 5-step action plan to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or in crisis Available professional, peer, and self-help community resources

Mental Health First Aid Action Plan Assess for risk of suicide or harm Listen nonjudgmentally Give reassurance and information Encourage appropriate professional help Encourage self-help and other support strategies 14

Where Mental Health First Aid Can Help 15 WellBecoming UnwellUnwellRecovering Prevention Early Intervention Treatment Where Mental Health First Aid can help on the spectrum of mental health interventions

Youth Curriculum Overview What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health Problems in the United States Adolescent Development Signs and Symptoms  Understanding Psychosis Risk Factors and Protective Factors Youth Mental Health First Aid Action Plan  Non-Crisis and Crisis Situations Assessing for Risk of Suicide or Harm Taking Care of the First Aider 16

Kevin Hines Class features a film with Kevin Hines who shares his struggle with mental illness and substance use. In his junior year of high school, Kevin was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In September 2000 Kevin became one of only 34 people to survive a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.

In Lehigh County, of participants who completed a Mental Health First Aid course say they would recommend it so someone else

Lehigh County Outcomes As a result of this training I feel more confident that I can: recognize the signs that a young person may be dealing with a mental health challenge or crisis Agree or Strongly Agree

Lehigh County Outcomes As a result of this training I feel more confident that I can: ask a young person whether s/he is considering killing her/himself. Agree or Strongly Agree

Lehigh County Outcomes As a result of this training I feel more confident that I can: actively and compassionately listen to a young person in distress Agree or Strongly Agree

Lehigh County Outcomes As a result of this training I feel more confident that I can: be aware of my own views and feelings about mental health problems and disorders. Agree or Strongly Agree

Lehigh County YMHFA Collaborative 32 Instructors from: 5 School Districts, Intermediate Unit 21, County Mental Health and Juvenile Probation, and 2 community agencies Meet 2 times per your and have ongoing communication. 800 people trained since June 2015 Now offering class at Lehigh County Prison and Work Relase program for inmates with chidren

Lehigh County YMHFA Collaborative 24

Mental Health First Aid USA is coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Take a Course. You could be the help someone needs. Find a Course or Instructor near you: Contact Us: