Empowering Teens: Shelby County Officers Equip Young People to Support Peers in Mental Health Crises

Shelby County officers are taking a proactive step in supporting teens by teaching them how to recognize and help peers in mental health crises. At Chelsea High School, nearly 100 students have signed up for the Teen Mental Health First Aid class.

The program was created after officers noticed a need for better mental health awareness among students. It aims to give teens the tools they need to identify signs of distress and understand when to reach out to trusted adults for help.

Officers from the Shelby County Compact are guiding students through important topics, such as the impact of social media and the warning signs of mental health struggles. They emphasize the importance of having trusted adults in their lives, which can make a significant difference for those in crisis.

“Having someone they can trust to talk to can really help,” said Investigator Austin Brown.

Students are learning not just how to recognize problems, but also how to provide support. Gabriel Fox, a senior at Chelsea High School, explained, “We learned how to care for our peers without pushing them away.”

One of the key lessons highlights the importance of healthy coping strategies. Rather than resorting to alcohol or drugs, students are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations and find effective ways to deal with their feelings.

“Talking about coping skills and reflecting on situations is a big help,” Brown added. The officers believe that these skills could play a crucial role in saving lives.

The feedback from students and school leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. Because of this success, the Compact officers are looking to expand the program to reach more schools throughout the county.