Description

This training explores the growing youth mental health crisis, emphasizing the impact of factors like trauma, social isolation, excessive technology use, and the lingering effects of COVID-19. Participants will identify warning signs, learn about protective factors, and gain tools to address challenges through school- and clinic-based mental health programs. With a focus on fostering resilience and connection, the training highlights strategies for advocacy and practical approaches to supporting youth in an increasingly disconnected world.

Target Audience

The training videos will be helpful to:

Educators and school counselors
Mental health professionals
Community leaders and youth advocates
Parents and caregivers

Learning Outcomes

After completing this training, you will be to:

Analyze the Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health: Examine the specific ways the pandemic has affected the mental health of youth, including the psychological and social implications of prolonged isolation, disruption in routines, and increased stress.
Identify Mental Health Warning Signs: Recognize common warning signs of mental health challenges in youth and explore risk factors that may contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, or depression.
Develop Protective Factors and Coping Strategies for Mental Health: Gain insights into evidence-based protective factors and learn practical coping strategies tailored to address stress in youth. Explore methods to empower young individuals in managing stress and building resilience through individualized and community-based approaches
Engage in Youth Mental Health Advocacy and Community Support: Explore available crisis resources in the community and discuss actionable strategies for promoting youth mental health advocacy and addressing systemic barriers to care.
Examine the Impact of COVID-19 on Youth Mental Health: Understand how the pandemic has disrupted the mental and emotional well-being of youth. This includes exploring long-term effects such as heightened anxiety, social isolation, disrupted life transitions, and academic challenges. Recognize how these stressors amplify existing vulnerabilities and create new barriers to mental health care.
Identify Mental Health Risk Factors Unique to Youth: Learn to recognize key indicators of mental health challenges, such as behavioral changes, withdrawal, academic decline, and mood shifts. Explore the specific risk factors for youth during transitional periods, including loss of routine, social pressure, and the impact of major life disruptions like graduation delays or moving back home.
Enhance Protective Factors and Promote Coping Skills Through Relationship Building and Behavioral Support: Focus on strategies to strengthen youth resilience by nurturing positive relationships, fostering emotional regulation, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices. Understand how these holistic approaches reduce stress impacts and prevent mental health crises within diverse settings.
Explore Telehealth Innovations and Advocacy Approaches for Youth Support: Gain insights into how telehealth has transformed mental health care for youth, expanding access to therapy and support services. Understand the importance of community-based resources, and learn actionable advocacy strategies to address systemic gaps in mental health care for young people.
Understand the Key Factors Contributing to the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Participants will be able to identify the major contributors to the rise in sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation among youth, including trauma, social isolation, and excessive technology use.
Evaluate the Impact of Social Isolation and Technology on Youth Mental Health: Participants will learn to assess how social isolation and excessive technology use exacerbate mental health challenges in young people, and the importance of fostering connection and engagement.
Apply Strategies to Address Youth Mental Health Challenges in School- and Clinic-Based Programs: Participants will gain practical tools to implement supportive environments through school- and clinic-based mental health programs, with a focus on promoting resilience and well-being among youth.
Apply Strategies to Address Youth Mental Health Challenges in School- and Clinic-Based Programs: Participants will gain practical tools to implement supportive environments through school- and clinic-based mental health programs, with a focus on promoting resilience and well-being among youth.

Key Topics

Contributing factors to the youth mental health crisis
Identifying warning signs and protective factors
Strategies for fostering resilience and connection
The role of school- and clinic-based mental health programs
Advocacy and community-based support options