PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Registration is open for a free, day-long, youth mental health first aid program in Pittsfield on Saturday, Nov. 1, for adults who work with youth. Parents, teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors and youth group leaders are invited to attend to learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
The National Alliance for Mental Illness reports that 1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition, and Youth Mental Health First Aid reports that more than 10% of youth will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder in their lifetime.
The youth mental health first aid presentation will cover:
- Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in the 12-18 age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
- How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
- How to connect the youth with help.
- Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying
The presentation is sponsored by Chaddock. It will be held at First Baptist Church, 104 S. Memorial, Pittsfield, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided by Illini Community Hospital. This partnership was made possible through funding from the Tracy Family Foundation.
Registration is required and encouraged as soon as possible as the program can accept only 30 participants. Go to https://mhfa_nov1_chaddock.eventbrite.com/ to register.