The Importance of Teen Mental Health First Aid

Information provided by Nosleivys Falcon, HUB Coordinator, Gainesville City Schools

We know that many teens would prefer to discuss their lives with their peers, so we understand the importance of equipping young people with the information they need to respond to a friend in crisis. Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 10-12 how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Schools and communities can use tMHFA to help prevent teen mental health crises and to promote teen wellness, peer support and healthy development.

tMHFA is important because: 

• Half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14 and 75 percent begin by the mid-20s. 

• About two thirds of teens with mental health issues do not receive the care they need. 

• Many teens prefer to talk to their friends for support, and those friends may not always have the skills to help. 

What do teens learn at tMHFA training?

• Common mental health concerns among peers their age

• How to reduce stigma

• A 5-step action plan to help friends who may be facing a mental health challenge or crisis

• How to involve a responsible and trusted adult as necessary

How can you get involved?

A teen summit will take place this summer on June 7, from 9 AM - 3 PM. At this summit, students can take advantage of the free tMHFA training that will be available. More information to come!