Empowering Students to Support Each Other at Union Catholic High School: The Importance of Teen Mental Health First Aid

Dr. Jennifer Dixon, PhD, LPC

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the mental well-being of teenagers has become a pressing concern. Recent studies reveal that approximately 20% of adolescents will experience depression by the age of 17, with girls being twice as likely as boys to face clinical depression. Furthermore, suicide stands as the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 14. (National Institute of Mental Health- NIMH)

Understanding Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)

Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is a proactive program designed to equip students in grades 9 through 12 with the skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their peers. Recognizing that teenagers often turn to each other in times of crisis, tMHFA empowers them to provide initial support and guide their friends towards appropriate help. (www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org)

This fall, Union Catholic High School received a three year grant from the Mental Health Association in New Jersey to fund this important program, committing to training all faculty and staff this year and all freshmen for at least the next three years.

Health Teacher, Brian Kopnicki, along with School Counselors Mike Conte and Kelly Kahney were trained as tMHFA facilitators, completing a rigorous 3 day course in order to prepare to teach the 6 week program to freshmen.

Key Components of the tMHFA Program:

• Education on Common Mental Health Issues: Students learn about prevalent mental health conditions affecting their age group, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
• Stigma Reduction: The program emphasizes the importance of breaking down stigmas associated with mental health, fostering an environment where seeking help is encouraged.
• Five-Step Action Plan: Participants are taught a structured approach to assist peers facing mental health challenges, ensuring they can offer effective and compassionate support.
• Connecting to Trusted Adults: Students are guided on how to involve responsible adults when a peer is in crisis, ensuring that professional help is sought when necessary. 

The Role of Youth Mental Health First Aid (yMHFA)

Complementing the tMHFA program is Youth Mental Health First Aid (yMHFA), which focuses on training adults such as teachers, parents, and school staff to recognize and respond to mental health issues in adolescents. This dual approach ensures a supportive network encompassing both peers and adults, creating a comprehensive safety net for students. Union Catholic faculty and staff were trained and certified in youth Mental Health First Aid this winter.

Why Implement tMHFA at Union Catholic:

• Early Intervention: With half of all mental illnesses beginning by age 14, early detection and support are crucial. (NIMH)
• Peer Support: Given that many teens prefer to confide in friends, equipping students with the right tools can make a significant difference in crisis situations. 
• Building a Resilient Community: By fostering understanding and empathy, the program contributes to a more supporting school environment.

Feedback

Counselor Mike Conte noted the program's focus on "small, digestible, and practical steps that anyone can follow. Knowing that there is good help within reach and knowing that we are building a community that is trained in mental health first aid is the greatest benefit," he said. "The long-term vision is growing students' awareness and ability to connect with each other and with the right kind of mental health support."

Counselor Kelly Kahney indicated she was "really impressed with the students' engagement," adding that the program "is a topic that is of interest to them as it can affect so many teens. As adults we sometimes assume students know how to handle these situations, giving them a concrete action plan is helpful. It gives them the confidence to know how to handle themselves in various situations."

Freshman Holly Dalgliesh found the tMHFA informative and helpful, praising the school for offering the program. "The tMHFA covered many mental health challenges, including suicide, panic attacks, self-injury, trauma, bullying, violence, and substance use," she said. The program addresses students' unique need for sensitivity when discussing distressing topics, "while also giving students the information they need in order to effectively handle crisis situations.

Dalgliesh's key takeaway was the importance of friendship during a crisis. "A person going through a mental health challenge is not defined by their struggle, and it is vital to remind them that you are still their friend." She believes the program is important because it "teaches them how to respond in stressful situations that affect many children their age."

Freshman Markus Ubungen said "it is so important for our students because so many teens struggle with mental health, and we don't always know what to do. It gives us the confidence to be able to speak up and support someone dealing with any mental health issue," he said. The program shows that Union Catholic "really cares about its students and wants the best for each student, including being safe and having good mental health."

Conclusion

The mental health challenges faced by today's youth are multifaceted and require a collective effort to address. Implementing teen Mental Health First Aid program at Union Catholic High School is a proactive step towards ensuring that students are not only aware of mental health issues but are also prepared to support one another effectively. By bridging the gap between peer support and professional help, we can create a nurturing environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.