Action 5: Encourage other supports
“The answer isn’t always with mental health services but with lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise.” Kerry, Youth MHFA Instructor Member Other supports can be useful in situations where a young person might not require professional help, isn’t ready to seek professional help, or would benefit from both kinds of help. The following supports can be encouraged during Youth MHFA: Family and friends Family and friends are a very important source of support for a young person who is experiencing poor mental health. Encourage the young person to reach out to friends or family who have been supportive of them in the past. Young people who feel supported and validated by those around them recover faster. Family and friends can help by: – Listening to the young person without judging or being critical – Encouraging the young person to get appropriate professional help – Checking if the young person is experiencing suicide thoughts or behaviour, and by taking immediate action if so – Providing the same support as for a physically unwell person (e.g., sending ‘get well’ cards or gifts, calling, texting, visiting, helping when the young person cannot manage) – note that people with poor mental health who are hospitalised are sometimes less likely to receive flowers, ‘get well cards’, and visits, which can lead them to have feelings of rejection If the young person doesn’t feel they can talk to a friend or family member, or isn’t ready to, recommend that they contact a
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