When teens struggle, they often turn to each other first, and giving them the tools to respond safely and compassionately can make all the difference.
Tramaine EL-Amin
Vice President, Mental Health First Aid, The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Many teens turn to one another when struggling, and as parents, caregivers, and educators, we need to give them ways to support one another compassionately, safely, and appropriately.
We know teens need support. Nearly 50% of adolescents ages 13-18 in the United States live with a diagnosed mental health disorder, and more than 1 in 5 of them experience a severe impairment. We also know that 50% of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, when most students are in the transitional period of starting high school and entering ninth grade.
Research confirms what many adults believe: Teens really do tend to turn to each other first when they need to talk. Friends provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where teens can feel understood and less isolated. By connecting with peers who have similar experiences, teens gain coping skills, self-awareness, and emotional validation.
Untreated mental health challenges in adolescence can have lasting consequences, including chronic mental health disorders in adulthood, academic decline, and increased risk of substance use. While peer support does not replace professional care, it can be the bridge that makes care possible.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
That is the value of programs like Teen Mental Health First Aid (Teen MHFA) from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Designed for students in grades 9-12, or ages 14-18, the training teaches teens how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers. Learners will be able to spot warning signs of mental health challenges and understand the impact of violence and bullying on mental health. They’ll know how to start a conversation about these topics with their friends and when to connect them with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult.
Teen MHFA provides an easy-to-remember acronym, ROLE, to help learners remember the steps to take when supporting a peer:
- Recognize signs that your friend may be going through a hard time.
- Open a conversation with your friend by asking how they are and listening.
- Link to a parent, guardian, or trusted adult to provide support.
- Encourage your friend by staying connected and showing you care.
The training reinforces the importance of involving a parent, guardian, and trusted adult in these conversations. Teen MHFA does not suggest that teenagers should be therapists or make diagnoses. Instead, it gives them the language, confidence, and boundaries to connect their friends with appropriate help. Knowing when to bring in a parent and a trusted adult can change the trajectory for a young person struggling with their mental health.
By equipping teens with the tools needed to start conversations about mental health, we improve mental health literacy, strengthen belonging, challenge stigma, and create a community where no young person has to struggle alone.
