Boost Well-being, Reduce Stigma: Teen MHFA Creates Thriving Schools

Empower teens (ages 15-18) to support their friends' mental health.

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens to:

• Recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in their peers.
• Start supportive conversations in a safe way.
• Guide friends towards trusted adults or professional help.

 Benefits of Bringing tMHFA to Your School 

 For Students: 

• Increased Confidence:  Teens gain the skills and knowledge to approach a friend struggling with mental health or substance use challenges.
• Reduced Stigma: Open conversations create a more supportive environment where teens feel comfortable seeking help.
• Early Intervention:  Teens can identify signs of challenges in their peers and encourage them to seek help sooner.
• Improved Well-being: By supporting others and taking care of their own mental health, teens can experience greater overall well-being.
• Empowerment:  Teens gain a sense of agency and purpose by knowing they can make a positive difference in their friends' lives.

For Schools:

• Safer Learning Environment:  A school community equipped with MHFA skills can foster a culture of support and help reduce bullying.
• Improved Academic Performance:  Students who feel emotionally supported are more likely to focus and succeed academically.
• Reduced Absenteeism:  Early intervention for mental health challenges can help prevent students from missing school.
• Positive School Climate:  Open communication and a focus on mental health creates a more positive and inclusive school environment.
• Teacher and Staff Well-being:  By supporting students' mental health, teachers and staff experience less stress and can focus on education.

For the Community:

• Early Identification and Intervention:  Teens equipped with MHFA skills can contribute to the identification of mental health challenges in their communities.
• Increased Help-Seeking Behavior:  A more open conversation about mental health can encourage teens to seek help for themselves and their friends.
• Reduced Stigma Around Mental Health:  By normalizing conversations about mental health, schools can contribute to a more supportive community environment.
• Lifelong Skills:  The skills learned in tMHFA can benefit teens throughout their lives, leading to healthier relationships and communities.