Inside A LW Foundation Youth Mental Health First Aid Class

REDMOND, WA — The statistics are alarming: 18 percent of Lake Washington School District seniors have considered suicide. 50 percent of all chronic mental health cases begin by age fourteen. 39 percent of 8th graders are not able to stop worrying in the past two weeks. 32 percent experience anxiety disorder (ages thirteen to eighteen.) 11 percent report a major depressive episode in the past year (ages thirteen to seventeen.) One in five have a mental health condition. Only one-third get help from a professional. (They may be ashamed, or reluctant to share because of what others may think.)

Last Saturday, I attended and participated in an 8-hour Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) "Youth Mental Health First Aid Class." The classroom was packed with over 25 parents; it was dynamic and fun, with lots role-playing and engaging exercises. Danit Erlich, Ph.D taught the class. She's an energetic highly qualified cross-cultural parent coach and speaker. She was awesome! Danit first asked us to introduce ourselves, then say something about our youth. The stage was set: we all felt connected, empathetic and involved with each other.

We learned skills on how to notice signs and symptoms and have a meaningful conversion to help twelve to eighteen year-old students cope with their mental health challenges. A useful 133-page manual addressed the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan for everything from suicide, major depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, substance abuse, psychosis and AdHD. The Action Plan involves: 1) assessment of symptoms, 2) listening non-judgmentally, 3) giving reassurance and information, 4) encouraging appropriate professional help, and self -help.

Owing to its severity, we focused on the action plan for suicide; we also did a role-play for panic attacks. Danit said suicide is the second cause of death in twelve to eighteen year-old youth and it's escalating. She and other parents attributed it, in part, to Snap Chat, Instagram and other social media; and not listening intently.

She suggested a good place to listen and assess is during short drives in the car and at bedtime. In the case of suicide assessment we learned to listen non-judgmentally and tell the person you are concerned and want to help. Sometimes self-harm, like cutting, is a cry for help. Giving away possessions, heavy drinking and social withdrawal are other signs.

The role-play was challenging and some of us didn't go through with it. First you have to ask if they decided how they will kill themselves and when. If they say " yes," calmly explain thoughts of suicide are common, help is available and it doesn't have to be acted upon. Allow the student to do most of the talking by asking open-ended questions. Suicidal thoughts are often a plea for help and desperate attempt to escape from problems and stress. The student can find relief in talking about it. Immediately, take them to the E.R. or call 911 and never leave them alone.

As a result of this class, I feel comfortable about talking with youth about mental illness and how to assist them. Along with the Foundation, NAMI Eastside and EvergreenHealth also hold classes. For dates and class information contact NAMI Eastside at 425-885-6264.

Sources: Danit Erlich, Ph.D; "Mental Health First Aid" manual; Lake Washington Schools Foundation brochure.

By Bob Yoder, Redmond Neighborhood Blog