Youth Mental Health in the Midcoast Region

Youth mental health continues to be a health priority for Mid Coast Hospital.

The Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey is a state-wide survey conducted every two years to measure the health-related behaviors and attitudes of students in grades 5-12. Local results highlight the need to increase mental health awareness and support for our youth.

In 2017:

• 30% of local high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless for two or more weeks in the past year.
• Only 29% of these youth responded that they received help from an adult when they felt sad or hopeless.
• 18% have considered suicide in the past year, one of the highest rates in the state.

Mid Coast Hospital works closely with community partners such as Midcoast Community Alliance and NAMI Maine (National Alliance for Mental Illness) to increase the community’s understanding of mental health and how to identify and help youth in need. Additionally, this work includes increasing healthy youth coping and resiliency skills.

Mid Coast Hospital’s youth mental health programs are funded by a Mental Health Awareness Training Grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Programs include:

• Youth Mental Health First Aid to train adults and peers to recognize signs of mental illness or concerns. It also connects youth and young adults to resources.
• Sources of Strength trains peer leaders to foster a supportive, healthy school community focused on building support and connections.
• Mindfulness offerings increase resiliency skills of youth through mindfulness, support and learning groups, and community events.
• NAMI Maine support groups and facilitator trainings are designed for youth who have a mental illness as well as their family members and friends.

For upcoming training opportunities, visit www.midcoasthealth.com/wellness/youth-mental-health. To coordinate a training in your community or school, please call (207) 373-6927.