OA puts focus on teen mental health education

More than half the students have completed the program

(OLDENBURG, Ind.) – Oldenburg Academy is being recognized as one of only six Indiana high schools to offer a Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) program. 

The program equips students with the skills to support peers who are having mental health challenges. 

OA started the program with the Class of 2025 and has expanded the training to include students in every grade. Currently, 60 percent of the students have completed the program, and more will earn their certificate this semester.

Senior Elana Hollingsworth earned her certificate two years ago and says the program is essential. 

“I now feel more equipped to offer support to my peers who may be struggling, and I believe it has fostered a more compassionate and open environment at our school. It's empowering to know that I can make a positive difference in someone’s life by recognizing the signs and encouraging them to seek help,” Hollingsworth said. 

tMHFA provides students with essential tools and an action plan of: Look, Ask, Listen, Help, and Your Friend. 

The course consists of six 45-minute sessions and teaches students to recognize signs of mental health challenges and offer support to their peers, including outlining ways of encouraging peers to seek help from trusted adults. 

Students earn a three-year certificate and some OA faculty members have been certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid as well.

The program is led by School Nurse Becky Niese who said, “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity of providing our teens with the knowledge and tools to help a friend in need or even with their own mental wellbeing challenges.”

The school is providing some mental health statistics that some may be unaware of:

● One in five U.S. teens experiences a mental health challenge by age 18.

 ● Over half (54%) of teens with mental health challenges do not seek help. 

● Young people are more likely to seek help when encouraged by a trusted friend or family member. 

Oldenburg Academy Principal Angie Parmer hopes the program both de-stigmatizes mental health issues and encourages the next generation to be more compassionate and understanding.