Young people have a lot to navigate, and it can be hard for parents, guardians, and teachers to know what to do when they are struggling. Take this quiz to see how you can best prepare yourself to be there when a teen is showing signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
For each scenario, choose the response that best matches how you would help youth who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Choose A, B or C for each question. Take note of which answers you select, then review the results at the bottom of the quiz to see what your responses suggest.
1. A young person who is usually engaged has recently started missing class, avoiding friends and giving short answers when adults check in. They say they are “just tired,” but the changes have continued for several weeks. What would you do?
A. Give them space and wait for them to bring it up.
B. Check in privately, name the changes you have noticed and listen without judgment.
C. Check in privately, then work with the school or organization to make early check-ins a shared practice so adults are prepared to notice changes and respond sooner.
2. A young person tells you they have been using substances to get through stressful days and are worried adults will punish them if they are honest. They are not sure they can stop on their own. How would you support them?
A. Explain the risks and tell them they need to make better choices.
B. Respond calmly, thank them for being honest and help them identify a safe adult or professional resource they can turn to.
C. Respond calmly, then work with the school or organization to strengthen prevention education, referral pathways and accessible support before substance use escalates.
3. During a private conversation, a young person says they have thought about hurting themselves but quickly adds that they “do not want to make it a big deal.” You are not sure how immediate the risk is. What would you do?
A. Reassure them that things will get better.
B. Take the comment seriously, ask about immediate safety, stay with them if needed and involve trusted or emergency support right away.
C. Take the comment seriously then work with the school or organization to strengthen crisis response and suicide prevention practices so young people have clear paths to help.
4. Another student tells you that a young person posted late at night that they feel like a burden and do not see the point in trying anymore. Friends have responded with concern, but no one seems sure whether this is a crisis or a call for support. What is the strongest response?
A. Leave an encouraging comment so they know people care.
B. Reach out directly, ask if they are safe and involve trusted or crisis support if there may be risk of harm.
C. Reach out directly, then work with the school or organization to create clear guidance so adults and young people know how to recognize concerning posts and respond quickly and safely.
5. A young person says they feel overwhelmed by school, family responsibilities and pressure to plan their future, but they also worry that asking for help will disappoint the people counting on them. What would you do?
A. Remind them stress is normal and give them tips to stay organized.
B. Listen, validate what they are carrying and help them identify one trusted person, practical support or coping strategy.
C. Work with the school or organization to normalize asking for help, teach coping skills and make trusted support easier to access.
6. A teacher, coach or after-school staff member notices warning signs in a young person but knows they are not a clinician. What should they do?
A. Try to diagnose what a young person is experiencing and recommend treatment.
B. Recognize warning signs, offer initial support and help connect the young person with appropriate resources.
C. Work with the school or organization to build an environment where trained adults can notice concerns, talk openly and connect young people to help.
What Your Answers Mean
Mostly A answers
Mostly B answers
Mostly C answers
Mostly A answers:
You care, and training can help you feel more prepared. Your instincts are well-meaning, but they may stop short of the support a young person needs. Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, listen without judgment, use the MHFA Action Plan and connect young people ages 12-18 to appropriate help.
Take Youth Mental Health First Aid to build the skills and confidence to be a first source of support.
You are ready to support one young person, and you can help others learn how, too. Your responses show a strong focus on noticing when a young person may be struggling, starting a caring conversation and helping them connect with trusted support. Becoming a Mental Health First Aid Instructor can help you extend that impact by teaching adults in your community how to respond to mental health and substance use challenges with confidence, compassion and action.
Apply to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and help more adults learn how to support young people.
You are thinking about early intervention for more young people. Your responses show that you are focused on building a school or community where young people can get help before challenges escalate. Youth-focused MHFA training can strengthen an environment of care by helping staff, faculty, caregivers and other youth-serving adults recognize concerns early, respond with care, reduce stigma and connect young people to the right support.
Bring Youth Mental Health First Aid to your school or organization. Fill out the form below to get started.
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Ready to bring MHFA to your school or youth-serving organization? Complete the form to learn about training options, timelines and next steps.
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If a mental health or substance use challenge is affecting you or someone you know, there are several resources available to learn more or get connected with help. If you are in crisis, or you know someone who is, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or dial 911 in case of emergency.
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