GLENVILLE — Preservice teachers in the Department of Education at Glenville State College participated in Youth Mental Health First Aid training.

The day-long course teaches parents, family, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors and health and human services workers how to help adolescents ages 12-18 who are experiencing challenges with mental health or addiction.

Topics addressed included an overview of common mental health challenges for youth, a review of typical adolescent development and a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders and eating disorders.

The training was led by certified instructors Grace Wine and Barb Tucker. Wine is a Glenville State graduate and teaches English at Gilmer County High School. Tucker is a Region 7 adolescent health initiative coordinator.

“As educators, we teach the whole child. If the basic needs of a child are not met, our best efforts will fall short,” said Wine.

By understanding common problems, early warning signs and intervention strategies, teachers can become effective responders as they are on the front lines meeting the needs of students, She said.

“For the past six semesters, our preservice teachers have participated in Youth Mental Health First Aid training,” Connie Stout O’Dell, an associate professor of education, said. “This professional development has been extremely valuable for our preservice teachers and our interns and provides an overview of mental health risk factors and warning signs among adolescents.”

Training involve identifying typical adolescent developmental changes in contrast to early warning signs of mental illness, how to appropriately respond to someone experiencing a panic attack, fact vs. fiction about mental illness, auditory hallucination simulation, and talking to someone who has thoughts of suicide.

“I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about helping take care of children’s mental health situations during our intern training,” preservice teacher Faith Norris said. “We were instructed on the importance of gaining trust in order to foster a relationship in which children could ask for help in a time of a crisis in their life. As an early educator, it is my goal to be a light in a time of need for my students.”

For preservice teachers, Bryce McCourt and Haley Cottrill, the training was an eye-opening experience.

Training was informative and gave educators helpful tips that allows them to check on their students who are potentially showing warning signs of a mental illness, McCourt said.

“I am thankful I have the ability to help my future students with their mental health,” said Cottrill.

Participants receive a certificate valid for up to three years.