Why All Parents Should Take Mental Health First Aid Training 

Young people today are experiencing a mental health crisis. Depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts are on the rise among kids. As a parent, it can be hard to know what to do when your child is experiencing a mental health issue. But mental health first aid training can help. 

What is First Aid Training for Mental Health? 

Most people know about first aid training, where you learn life-saving techniques like CPR or how to stop a wound from bleeding. But many parents don’t know they can get Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to prepare for mental health situations their child may experience. MHFA can save a life, just like any other type of first aid.

At a MHFA training session, you learn: 

·       Warning signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illness 

·       Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, suicide and substance use disorder 

·       A five-step action plan to help someone showing signs of mental illness or someone potentially in crisis 

·       Professional and self-help resources 

Studies show that kids are less likely to engage in risky behaviors like substance use when parents are more involved. Youth MHFA training is a great way to make sure you’re prepared for the emotional ups and downs of your child’s teenage years.  

Get FREE Mental Health First Aid Training  

Integral Care and Travis County have partnered up to offer parents in Austin-Travis County access to FREE mental health training to help our kids weather the storms of adolescence. Over 2.5 million people across the U.S. are trained in mental health first aid. You can sign up today at integralcare.org/YouthMentalHealth.