Schools, workplaces employing those under 18 years old, and applicable community settings are in a unique position to offer first response support to all young people. Youth MHFA has been designed to empower adults who work with young people in these settings to offer that support. There is a stigma associated with poor mental health Stigma can have several detrimental effects. These include creating barriers to seeking help, exclusion from employment, difficulty accessing housing or social activities, difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, and internalised stigma leading to shame and low self-esteem. Young people may feel ashamed to discuss their mental health with professionals because of their concerns about what others will think of them (10). Better understanding and acceptance of the experiences of young people can help to reduce stigma and discrimination across communities. Many people are not well informed Understanding of how to recognise poor mental health and what effective treatments are available is not widespread. There are many myths and misunderstandings about poor mental health. Common myths include the idea that people with mental health conditions are dangerous, that it is better to avoid psychiatric treatment, that people can pull themselves out of poor mental health through willpower, and that only people who are weak develop poor mental health. Lack of knowledge may result in people avoiding or not responding to a young person with poor mental health, not knowing where to seek help, or not being able to signpost to help that might be useful. Similarly, the rise of self-diagnosis in young people may affect how they perceive any poor mental health they experience. It may cause them to have strong but incorrect ideas about mental health conditions. Youth MHFAiders can help to dispel myths and provide accurate and well sourced information.
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