Summary

The Canadian Mental Health Association offers a range of mental health programs, services, and supports in priority areas including mental health promotion and suicide prevention. They created this Guide to prepare adults for conversations with youth about their mental health. The Guide provides adults with information on supporting youth; listening and talking to youth about their mental health; preventing suicide and creating a safety plan; and caregiver self-care.  

Practice & Policy Implications 

• The Guide can help adult allies be better prepared to have conversations with youth about their mental health.
• The Guide provides actionable tips and strategies to initiate conversations, listen actively, and provide support to youth who are struggling with their mental health.
• The Guide provides additional tips and resources for teachers.

Image source: https://cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ByTheirSideGuide_FINAL_EN-FINAL-ua-1.pdf