From the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board
A growing number of American youth exhibit signs of mental illness or substance abuse, and it can be difficult for adults to understand the difference between teenage angst and behavioral health issues. Research shows that nearly three-quarters of American children with depression don’t receive treatment. When adults are trained to recognize the signs of mental health concerns and to respond appropriately, they can connect adolescents to life-saving treatment.
The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board offers an eight-hour training to help adults who interact regularly with adolescents ages 12-18. The Youth Mental Health First Aid curriculum to local organizations and members is appropriate for parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, and coaches. The trainings are open to the public, and the next one will be June 2 in Stafford County.
Through role-playing and simulations, participants learn to help in a mental health crisis. Participants will learn the common mental health challenges faced by youth, typical adolescent development and five-step action plans to help. Topics will include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The course will be offered June 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Regester Chapel, 85 Bell Hills Road in Stafford. The $25 registration fee includes a workbook, a 3-year training certificate and lunch.
To register for the training, contact Jennifer Bateman, Prevention Specialist, at 540/374-3337, ext. 100 or [email protected]. The deadline to register is May 25.
Visit www.rappahannockareacsb.org for additional information.
Mental Health First Aid originated in 2001 in Australia and has since been replicated in 20 other countries worldwide. To learn more, visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
