Focus Area 8: Mental Health Basics
Introduction

You occupy a special place in a young person’s life because of your role as a youth worker. There is such a wide variety of programs that directly serve youth, it would be difficult to list all of the different sorts of youth workers here but whether you are a coach, mentor, case manager, youth leader, camp counselor, teacher, after-school worker – whatever position or title you hold, you are first and foremost a role model for the youth you serve.

You work hard to build and nurture a bond of trust with youth. Because of that trust, youth often consider you a confidant and may openly share their thoughts and concerns with you. Within that trusting relationship, the things that a youth worker says to a young person are often taken to heart and have an impact, even if it might not seem like it in the moment.

When a young person is struggling with a mental health concern, they may find it difficult to open up about it with anyone for fear of being stigmatized, singled out, embarrassed, or ashamed. They may feel that they are “broken” or there is something wrong with them. A negative sense of self can impact other behaviors in their lives, such as substance use, academic achievement, family dynamics, sexual health, and social life in general. This is when they most need a trusted confidant and guide.

With a trusted ally in their corner, a young person experiencing mental health struggles can gain a better understanding of the way their brain and body work together. They can build a more positive sense of self-awareness. With the right support, they may feel like they are not alone in their struggle and there are people out there (like you!) prepared to help them navigate the struggle and know that they will be OK. You can help instill the perspective that “this issue, this diagnosis, this challenge doesn’t have to define who I am.”

While there are a great many programs for youth that employ mental health professionals such as therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, there are more youth workers who do not have that sort of formal education and training. But that certainly does not diminish the critical role a caring youth worker can play in the lives of the youth they serve. And mental health professionals would agree – it’s crucial to have caring and informed partners in a youth’s life outside of the therapist’s office.

So, having basic knowledge of mental health issues and how to support a youth experiencing mental health challenges makes you a very valuable part of the support network they need to succeed and thrive. Your commitment to developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence to appropriately assist youth with mental health issues can change the course of that youth’s life for the better.

This focus area module is a good step in building a foundation of understanding, or to further enhance your current knowledge of mental health basics. But it is not the end of your learning journey, as this field is continually evolving.

The need for your competency in this area has perhaps never been greater.