ABSTRACT
Mental health problems frequently have their onset during adolescence or early adulthood. However, young people often do not seek help. Lack of knowledge of services, embarrassment and fear of stigma can make help-seeking difficult. Significant others can play an important role in guiding young people to seek appropriate help. To do this, they need to have the knowledge and skills to recognise mental health problems, be aware of how and where to seek help and have the ability to display non-stigmatising attitudes to mental illness. The Mental Health First Aid training program aims to develop these in parents, school staff, youth workers, allied health professionals, those engaged in recreational activities (such as sports coaches and scout leaders) and other adults who work with or care about adolescents. This chapter describes the principles of the Mental Health First Aid training program and the evidence base that has led to its widespread use across the world. The chapter also includes case studies of Mental Health First Aid in action.
