The Youth MHFAider role cont.
– Stay up to date with mental health language and avoid using unhelpful words or phrases – understand that a young person may express how they are feeling using different language to what you are used to, and be prepared to find a way to talk that feels comfortable for you both Understand your Frame of Reference The Frame of Reference model shows that the ways in which we all make sense of the world, of other people, and of ourselves are unique to each one of us, and are shaped by our life experiences. This includes our feelings, beliefs, and behaviours. We all see things slightly differently, and so we treat ourselves and other people differently too. Our individual Frame of Reference is influenced by a range of factors such as our family situation, education, culture, and life experiences. Sometimes, the way we view the world – our ‘window on the world’ – is impacted by our Frame of Reference. This can lead us to make judgements about a young person’s situation, and so hinder us from truly listening non-judgementally to the young person we are supporting. By noticing and understanding where these judgements may come from we can more easily set them aside to help the young person in front of us. Take into consideration your own Frame of Reference and remember not to compare your own experiences of youth to the young people around you. To fully understand how a young person you are supporting sees the world you will need to ask them about their point of view and put yours to one side during a Youth MHFA conversation.
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