VENICE, Fla. (WWSB) - The YMCA of Southwest Florida offered a free and important education opportunity for teens in Venice, teaching them how to navigate mental health challenges.

Being a teenager can be challenging, with the CDC reporting over 40% of U.S. high school students reporting persistent feelings of depression in 2023.

Knowing how to identify signs of a mental health crisis and where to turn for help can make a huge impact.

The YMCA of Southwest Florida is stepping up to ensure teens have the right tools to recognize and respond to a mental health crisis with Youth Mental Health First Aid training.

“Peers are normally the first to notice when there is a mental health challenge amongst a group of kids, YMCA of Southwest Florida District Executive Director Liz Nason said.

“W

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