tMHFA teaches participants to recognise the signs that a friend may have a mental health problem. It does not focus on specific illnesses, but on the pattern of thoughts, feelings and behaviours that show there might be a problem. It does not teach or encourage them to offer each other counselling of any kind or handle these problems alone. Diagnosis and treatment are the responsibility of properly trained mental health professionals. Participants are taught to seek help from a trusted adult who can get their friend this kind of help as soon as possible.
Articles in this section
- I think my child needs professional help for a mental health problem. What should I do?
- Information for parents
- How was the course developed? Who decided what should be taught? Do you know that it is effective?
- What is covered in each session of the program for Year 7-9 students?
- What is covered in each session of the program for Year 10-12 students?
- What is the teen Mental Health First Aid Action Plan?
- Is my child likely to be upset by the course content?
- Will students be talking about their own experiences of mental health problems? Are they provided therapy as part of their attendance at tMHFA?
- Will talking about suicide put thoughts of suicide in my child’s head?
- My child has experienced mental health problems in the past. Should they attend?