Supporting Young Minds Part 1: Youth Mental Health First Aid

Jan 13

Understanding and supporting young people’s mental health is vital for fostering healthy, resilient communities. Ecosystem Coldharbour recently hosted a two-day Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training at MLCE. Led by knowledgeable trainer Katherine Bruce, the session explored practical tools and compassionate strategies for recognising and responding to mental health challenges faced by children and young people today. This short blog series explores how adults in the community can support young people by fostering strong mental health foundations and promoting overall wellbeing.

Young people navigate a complex web of pressures that can significantly impact their wellbeing. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to be equipped with the right skills and knowledge to understand, empathise with and support effectively. Take a read at some of the topics touched upon in the training.

The Role of Self-Perception in Mental Health

One of the key takeaways was the significant impact of self-perception. The way a young person views themselves can shape how they engage with the world and how the world responds to them. Negative self-perception often leads to feelings of isolation or rejection, while positive self-awareness can bolster their resilience and ability to cope.

For parents, caregivers, mentors and educators, the challenge is to create an environment where young people feel seen, safe and soothed (more on this in Part 3). This foundational triad enables them to develop healthy coping mechanisms and a stronger sense of self-worth.

Shifting the Conversation

The language we use matters. Replacing terms like “suffering” with “experiencing” or “living with” poor mental health creates a more empowering dialogue. It acknowledges young people’s journey without diminishing their autonomy or agency. This shift in approach can make young people feel understood and valued rather than stigmatised.

By embedding these principles into our interactions with young people, we can build a culture of empathy and proactive support. As Katherine emphasised during the training, the first step is not fixing the problem but being present, listening non-judgementally and providing a safe space for them to share.

Building Resilience

Helping young people to expand their window of tolerance involves fostering resilience through supportive relationships, teaching problem-solving skills and promoting self-care routines. By completing the YMHFA training, we can be part of the solution empowering young people to navigate life’s challenges with strength, resilience and a brighter outlook.