What Will Students Learn?
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Students learn the teen MHFA Action Plan, as well as information about different types of mental health problems and mental health crisis situations in young people, and the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Rather than discussing in depth individual mental illnesses, the focus is on learning to recognise changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviour that indicate that there might be a mental health problem.

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The course also covers mental health crisis situations, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury, intoxication, and bullying and abuse.

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In the senior program students (graded 10 to 12), the focus is on crises interventions which involves frank discussions of suicide. A sharp, well written and powerful video showing a young man helping a suicidal friend is used to demonstrate how to talk about suicide and assist someone who is having thoughts of suicide along with range of support tools.

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In the junior program (grades 7-9) crises are not as heavily empasised. The focus is directed toward noticing change and the connections between thoughts feeling and behaviours, however the same action plan is taught and information provided where relevant to ensure all required learning opportunities are fully and adequately met.

Both courses have a central focus of getting an adult involved whilst equipping our students with the skills they need to keep not only their friend, but themselves safe.

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For a summary of research data, manual content and objectives please download the What is teen MHFA? booklet here.

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