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 (YMHFA) course is based on the international MHFA Guidelines. These guidelines were developed using consensus of mental health consumers, careers and professionals from English-speaking developed countries. The course is delivered in over 20 countries. The YMHFA course is a 14 hour internationally accredited course that is run over two seven hours training days. Participants must complete the full course to be accredited by Mental Health Association of HK.

Course Content:

The Youth MHFA course teaches adults how to assist adolescents who are developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. It is ideal for all those who work in schools.

Developing mental health problems covered:

Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Psychosis, Substance misuse

Mental health crises covered:

• Suicidal thought and behaviours
• Non-suicidal self-injury (self-harm)
• Panic attacks
• Traumatic events
• Severe psychotic states
• Acute effects from alcohol or other drug misuse
• Aggressive behaviours

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. This course will not train you to be a counsellor or therapist. Debriefing and talking to others within the team is an essential part of self-care, as well as acknowledging your own limits and boundaries.

N.B. The YMHFA course covers some very difficult subjects areas and involves detailed discussions around things such as suicide, self harming, drug use, psychosis, dealing with aggressive and difficult behaviours. Some sessions, therefore, may evoke distressing feelings and emotions in some people due to their own histories and experiences. For this reason you should consider carefully before you join the course.

NOTE: Participants will be expected to switch off all technology devices for the duration of the course. Each person will be provided with a manual which contains all the information needed. There will be regular breaks whereby participants can check their phones, or they can leave the room to make urgent calls if needed.

* Please note that this is a two-full day course which will be held on 14 and 15 October 2019 

** This course is targeted for upper primary and secondary school teachers