If you saw someone choking, chances are you would know exactly what to do. If you saw someone having a panic attack, chances are you wouldn’t know what to do.

There is a real health crisis for our kids, one in five children have a diagnosable mental health challenge that can be helped with professional intervention and treatment. Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a training class designed to equip teachers, nurses, coaches, and parents on how to recognize signs and respond appropriately to a child experiencing a mental health crisis.

YMHFA introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for helping young people in crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.

To receive credit for the course, attendees must participate in the entire session. Contact Jenn Hodgden with any questions at jhodgden@tanagerplace.org.