Course

The Most Important Warning Signs of Youth Mental Health Challenges

Self-paced
2.5 credits

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Full course description

Description

This webinar addresses the complex relationship between mental health disorders and substance use, with a focus on factors like genetics, trauma, family dynamics, and minority stress. It highlights the rising prevalence of depression among youth, noting that it often presents with irritability and physical complaints rather than sadness, making early identification crucial. Participants learn about effective prevention strategies, including Iceland’s community-based model, which encourages positive alternatives to substance use. The session emphasizes the importance of early intervention, trauma-informed care, and tailored support for non-heterosexual youth, who face unique challenges. Additionally, it covers evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for depression, the critical need for improved diagnosis and screening, and the importance of fostering healthy habits like physical activity to manage symptoms. Parental involvement and immediate crisis resources are also discussed as essential in supporting youth through mental health challenges.

Target Audience

This training video will be helpful to:

  • Mental health professionals, school counselors, parents and caregivers, teachers, and youth workers

Learning Outcomes

After completing this training, you will be to:

  1. Understand the Complex Relationship Between Mental Health and Substance Use
    Participants will learn about the intricate connection between mental health disorders and substance use, exploring how genetics, environment, and trauma contribute to both issues.
  2. Recognize the Importance of Early Intervention
    Participants will understand the significance of early identification and intervention for mental health disorders, particularly in youth, to improve long-term outcomes.
  3. Explore Effective Prevention Models
    Participants will examine community-based prevention strategies, including Iceland’s model, that provide positive alternatives to substance use and support healthier social interactions.
  4. Identify Key Risk Factors for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
    Participants will learn about the key risk factors for mental health and substance use disorders, such as trauma, family dynamics, minority stress, and community environment, and understand the importance of tailored prevention approaches.
  5. Recognize the Unique Symptoms of Depression in Youth
    Participants will learn to identify the distinct symptoms of depression in children and adolescents, including irritability and physical complaints, to ensure early detection and intervention.
  6. Understand Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Youth Depression
    Participants will gain an understanding of effective treatment options for youth depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy, and their role in improving mental health outcomes.
  7. Address the Diagnosis and Treatment Gap in Youth Depression
    Participants will explore the importance of improving awareness and screening to close the gap in diagnosis and treatment, as many youth with depression remain undiagnosed or untreated.
  8. Support Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
    Participants will learn the vital role of parental and caregiver support in managing youth depression, including fostering open communication, encouraging therapy, and promoting healthy habits like physical activity and nutrition.

Key Topics

  • Rising depression in youth, trauma-informed care, effective prevention and intervention strategies.

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