Let's be Real - Mental Health for Young Minds

Teen mental health

What young people are actually navigating, and what helps them speak up sooner.

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Signs worth taking seriously

Distress rarely announces itself. These articles cover the quieter changes that come long before a crisis.

Belonging and identity

Peer support, LGBTQI+ inclusion and why feeling known at school is protective.

Getting help

How young people find support services, and what makes them stop looking.

The evidence

Summaries of the research behind mental health literacy and destigmatisation, written for non-specialists.

Articles

Mental Health
Mental Health Is Not Extra Credit: Why Schools Must Step Up Now
Only 7% of young people feel happy. Over half say their mental health isn't taken seriously, and schools aren't helping. In a world where pressure is constant and belonging is rare, mental health can't be 'extra credit' anymore. It must be core curriculum.
Jacqueline M. Klemke - 08/07/2025
MHFA
How MHFA-Informed Peer Support Can Help LGBTQI+ Students Feel Safer In Schools
When an LGBTQI+ student opens up to a peer, it can be a moment of deep courage and care. This article explores how schools can build safe, sustainable peer support programmes using Mental Health First Aid principles.
Nick Praulins - 16/06/2025
LGBTQI+
Supporting LGBTQI+ Students Starts with Listening: MHFA Strategies for Schools
For many LGBTQI+ students, sharing their identity at school is an act of courage that may come with emotional risk. Grounded in the MHFA approach, this article explores how listening without judgement becomes a powerful act of inclusion.
Nick Praulins - 29/05/2025
Mental Health Support Services
What to Say (and Not Say) to a Student Who's Having a Hard Time - A Teacher's Guide
How do you start a conversation with a student who's not quite themselves, without making it awkward or overwhelming? This teacher-friendly guide breaks it down into five calm, actionable steps.
Nick Praulins - 19/05/2025
Mental Health Support Services
Why Every School Leader Should Be Trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Why MHFA training is essential for school leaders, especially in international schools across Europe. Learn how it supports well-being, leadership, and whole-school culture.
Nick Praulins - 03/05/2025
Mental Health Support Services
Navigating Youth Mental Health Support in Germany: A Guide for English-Speaking Families
Finding youth mental health support in Germany can feel overwhelming, especially in English. This practical guide offers clear, accessible steps to help you find the right support, from crisis lines to long-term care.
Nick Praulins - 11/04/2025