Developed by Youth Health Connection (YHC), How Not To Keep A Secret (HNTKAS) is a peer leader training program designed to provide education to teens about depression and suicide, increase help-seeking behaviors, and decrease stigma associated with mental illness. The day-long HNTKAS training includes a clinical presentation, the documentary Break Free from Depression, and interactive activities.
Program Objectives
At the end of training, participants will be able to:
- State that depression is a treatable illness and that suicide is preventable.
- List a minimum of four symptoms of adolescent depression.
- List a minimum of three warning signs of suicide.
- Identify a minimum of three adults, inside and outside the school setting, with whom they would connect and talk if they are concerned about their own mental health and safety or that of relevant others.
Schools that participate in the How Not To Keep A Secret program should have policies and procedures in place to respond to students who are at risk for depression and suicide. Read more here.
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