Training for adults supporting adolescents ages 12-18

Sertoma Star Services has partnered with the Village of New Lenox and its Safe Community Coalition to offer a FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid Class (Youth Version – for Adults) on Tuesday, October 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  The class will be held in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall located at 1 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451.  All materials, as well as lunch, will be provided for attendees.

Registration for this class is being managed through Eventbrite or download the event flyer.

In this 7-hour training, attendees will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This course is designed for adults who work with youth, equipping them with the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing mental health or substance use issues. It is particularly beneficial for teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents, and others who work with young people.

The course covers the common signs and symptoms of mental illnesses in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  Attendees will also learn about the common signs and symptoms of substance use, how to interact with an adolescent in crisis, and how to connect the adolescent with help.

According to Mental Health America, 64.1 percent of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment, and 5.13 percent report having a substance use or alcohol problem. Furthermore, 1 in 5 teens and young adults live with a mental health condition, as reported by the National Alliance for Mental Illness. 

Additional information regarding Mental Health First Aid is available at www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. 

Additional questions regarding this training may be directed to Gia Washington at gwashington@sertomastar.org or 708-748-1951 ext 418.