I had related before that I took a course in Mental Health First Aid last year. I am a certified “first aider” for youth in my state. Basically, I’m a certified safe person for any youth with mental illness to confide in.
I was contacted to go for more training, an online course, to expand on this certification. I’m learning about trauma and the effects. In a few weeks I’ll be certified to help kids with trauma.
I can use a lot of what I learn for adults, as well. But it’s important to me to be certified for youth services since I spend 6 weeks with a lot of kids, daily, every summer. The kids already know we’re safe to co fide in, but I really want to understand how to better help any that have trauma.
And there’s a lot of trauma here. We’re the poorest township and section in the poorest county of NY.
We have a lot of LGBTQ kids and teens, a lot exposed to drug use by their parents (heroin and fentanyl use is rampant). Not so much physical abuse, but a lot of neglect. And the neglect isn’t always purposeful, it just happens when patents are tired from being poor and working so much or are disabled.
I’m sure you will be able to help, some even just by being there on a regular basis if you can. Where will you meet these kids? How do they reach out for help?
My cousin who lives five minutes down the road from me has a son. His son is studying at Harvard and is in psychiatry. He wanted to go in and specialize in how to treat females who were pregnant that were under psychiatric medication’s. Now he wants to specialize in child psychiatry. He might start his own practice or go on and become faculty at Harvard or other offers have been offered to him. I think child psychiatry seems to me it might be the most challenging.
My mom grew up in Inez Kentucky in Martin County. In the Appalachian mountains. She always says she grew up in the poorest county in the country. her dad owned a local store there that had a small pharmacy and sold other things like beverages and maybe some food And other things like a local Wallgreens but was obviously much smaller scale.
Trauma can have significant and long-lasting effects on individuals, especially children and adolescents. Being equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively support youth who have experienced trauma can make a meaningful difference in their lives. By becoming certified in trauma-informed care, you’ll be better prepared to understand the impact of trauma, provide appropriate support, and create a safe space for youth to confide in.
It’s also commendable that you’re considering how this additional training can be applied to help adults as well. Trauma can affect individuals of all ages, and having a broad understanding of trauma-informed care can be beneficial in various settings.
By being a certified mental health first aider for youth, you are playing a crucial role in your community, especially in a vulnerable area where there may be higher rates of trauma. Your dedication to expanding your knowledge and skills in this area is commendable and will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of the youth you work with. Keep up the great work!
Trauma can have significant and long-lasting effects on individuals, especially children and adolescents. Being equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively support youth who have experienced trauma can make a meaningful difference in their lives. By becoming certified in trauma-informed care, you’ll be better prepared to understand the impact of trauma, provide appropriate support, and create a safe space for youth to confide in.
It’s also commendable that you’re considering how this additional training can be applied to help adults as well. Trauma can affect individuals of all ages, and having a broad understanding of trauma-informed care can be beneficial in various settings.
By being a certified mental health first aider for youth, you are playing a crucial role in your community, especially in a vulnerable area where there may be higher rates of trauma. Your dedication to expanding your knowledge and skills in this area is commendable and will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of the youth you work with. Keep up the great work!
I am hoping I can help, even one kid.