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More NC teens will be trained in mental health first aid

Rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts have been rising for years among youth, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you or a loved one are facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. You can call Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat with them online. There are also resources in North Carolina available here and in South Carolina available here.

A North Carolina program that provides “mental health first aid” training is expanding to 10th through 12th graders this year.

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For years, the state Department of Health and Human Services has provided training to hundreds of adults who work at schools or youth programs. The Youth Mental Health First Aid program teaches adults to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in 12- through 18-year-olds and refer kids to resources.

The new Teen Mental Health First Aid initiative teaches young people how to support their friends during a mental health challenge and get a trusted or trained adult involved, as well.

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