May is Mental Health Awareness month. This month will end, but many people, especially teens, will continue to struggle silently with mental illness every day.

Do you know how to make a difference?

Add fundamental, potentially lifesaving, skills to your toolkit with the YMCA’s Youth Mental Health First Aid course.

You’ll learn how to identify, understand, and respond to someone who might be struggling or in crisis, where to find professional support and resources, and gain the confidence to speak up and step in.

Here’s why those skills are important:

One in six youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health disorder
19.1% of high school students in NC experience major depression
9.5% report attempting suicide

The YMHFA course is entirely free and offered monthly in English and Spanish. Whether you’re a teen, parent, friend, or neighbor, registration is open + valuable to all.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available, and you're not alone.

Register + view key resources