What is Youth Aware of Mental Health?
Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) is an interactive school-based program where students learn about mental health and how to seek help for themselves or their friends. YAM provides opportunities for students to participate in group discussions and role-plays, learning about and discussing everyday mental health issues as well as strategies to improve problem-solving skills and managing emotions. The format of YAM empowers youth to discuss important mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and coping strategies, in a context that is meaningful to them. In partnership with the MSU Center for Research on Rural Education, MSU Extension delivers YAM in communities across Montana.
How Will My Students Benefit from the YAM Program?
The YAM program stands out among youth suicide prevention programs based on its strong research foundation of research evidence. The Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) study was a multicenter, cluster-randomized controlled trial that studied YAM and two other intervention. The SEYLE sample consisted of 11,110 adolescent pupils, median age 15 years (IQR 14-15), recruited from 168 schools in ten European Union countries. At the 12-month follow-up, YAM was associated with a significant reduction of incident suicide attempts and severe suicidal ideation compared with the control group. Other recent studies on YAM have shown the effectiveness and sustainability of YAM in Montana.
- MSU: Feasibility and Acceptability of Youth Aware of Mental Health
- MSU Extension: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Fidelity: Extension Agents teaching Youth Aware of Mental Health
- Columbia University Study: Improving Suicide Prevention Through Evidence-Based Strategies
What are the Risks?
In previous studies of YAM, no major risks were posed to the youth participants. If a student were to have a problem while participating in YAM, our certified instructors and assistants are trained to respond appropriately. Instructors will work with school counseling personnel or administration to ensure the students’ needs are meet when participating in the program.
YAM in Montana
Since 2016, over 14,000 Montana students have participated in YAM. Over these last 5 years, we have been able to develop three different ways to offer YAM in schools.
Mental Health News in Montana
MSU looks to expand youth mental health program in rural, tribal schools
Montana Governor Steps in to Fund Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Extension Agents Help Montana Teens Focus on Emotional Health
Montana State receives grant to expand statewide youth mental health program