Mental Health Awareness Month with people of all ages and standing and sitting together
Mental Health Awareness Month is more than just an observance. It’s an opportunity to bring mental wellbeing into focus for yourself, your family and your friends. By raising your voice, prioritizing your self-care, celebrating mental wellbeing and being the difference for others, you can positively impact your mental health and community.
Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. That is why in May, hundreds of organizations across the country are raising awareness about mental health. Inspire others to raise awareness and take part in sharing information, resources, and support for mental health conditions.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Children and Teens
Anxiety and Stress Management in Children and Teens
Worry and anxiety are regular parts of life, but they can also be indications that your child needs more support. The recognition of anxiety disorders in young people has increased significantly over the past 10 years. Approximately 30% of children and adolescents will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their young lives. Knowing the signs and seeking professional help when needed will help to interrupt a progression that can lead to depression, poor school performance, and substance use.
Assisting a Child During an Anxious Moment:
Breathing Techniques - Blow up a balloon, Blow out candles, and Counted breathing (Breathe in through your nose, hold it, breathe out through your mouth)
Body Movements - Take a walk, Stretch your body, and Do an exercise (jumping jacks, run in place, etc.)
Do Something with Hands - Use clay, play dough, squeeze toy (Keep these objects inside child's backpack), and Color or draw (Keep small coloring books and colored pencils or markers handy)
God Supports Anxious Kids
God doesn’t just understand and sympathize, he also acts to support anxious kids. How does he do this? He does it by listening and by speaking.
Kids with anxiety often feel like no one listens to them, which of course only deepens the anxiety. We therefore want to encourage our kids to speak to God in prayer and sing to God in worship, because God listens to their prayers (Matt. 7:11) and appreciates their worship (Matt. 21:14—16). The fact that God always listens to and appreciates their voices can be used to help our kids express themselves to God honestly. God’s promise to listen to them is a strong support. But there’s another strong support.
God speaks into our kids’ lives through his word (Ps. 34:11—17). We therefore want to encourage our kids to keep reading the Bible and to read it, even just a few verses a day, as if God is speaking to them personally. We need this for ourselves too, and we can help our kids speak to God and listen to God by showing them how we speak and listen to God.
How does God want us to handle stress?
In Mark 6:31, Jesus tells His disciples, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." We should follow Jesus' example and prioritize rest, peace, and renewal. This can include taking breaks throughout the day, walking in nature, or praying.
Depression in Children and Teens
While people used to think that depression only occurred in adults, we now know that children and adolescents can also experience depression. In fact, on average, approximately 3% of children ages 3-17 have a diagnosis of depression. That rate increases by 6-10% during adolescence. While many children experience down moods, the symptoms of depression should not be ignored.
Supporting a Child in the Moment
Create spaces for connection,
Provide healthy meals,
Encourage ample amounts of sleep,
And keep them moving
What does the Bible say about coping with depression?
Psalms of lament, like Psalm 88, can equip our children with a language to vocalize their spiritual pain to God (instead of against him). Equally as important, they also give the sufferer permission to bring their “Why?” questions before him (Psalm 88:14).
Suicide Warning Signs in Children and Teens
Suicide is a serious and real concern among children and teens. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. Suicide attempts are often related to other mental health conditions, but not always. Particularly among younger children, suicide attempts can be impulsive. Warning signs of suicide or suicidal statements should always be taken seriously and evaluated by a mental health professional. Suicidal feelings are treatable with appropriate intervention and support.
What can caregivers do?
Ask your child if they are depressed or thinking about suicide. This will not put the thought into their head, rather it will give them an opportunity to talk about their concerns 1,2.
Are you feeling sad or depressed? Are you thinking (have you ever thought) about hurting or killing yourself? Do you wish you were dead? Do you think that you or your family would be better off if you were dead?
The Christian’s Response to Suicide
We should talk to them about their struggles and share Christ’s offer to bear their burdens (1 Peter 5:7) and transform their minds (Romans 12:2). We should also direct them to a health professional 3 or to a Bible-based counselor who can help them address their issues by sharing biblical truth and answers of hope.
Seek professional help:
TeenLine 1-800-852-8336, Text TEEN to 839863, teenlineonline.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), suicidepreventionlifeline.org
The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386. Text START to 678678, thetrevorproject.org
SAFE PLACE Text SAFE to 44357, nationalsafeplace.org
The JED Foundation 1-800-273-TALK (8255), Text START to 741741, jedfoundation.org
We All Have Mental Health
Our emotional health can range from thriving to struggling. No matter what you’re experiencing, there are ways to take action to support yourself and those around you.
Do I have mild symptoms that have lasted for less than 2 weeks?
• Feeling a little down
• Feeling down, but still able to do job, schoolwork, or housework
• Some trouble sleeping
• Feeling down, but still able to take care of yourself or take care of others
If so, here are some self-care activities that can help:
• Exercising (e.g., aerobics, yoga, nature walk)
• Engaging in social contact (virtual or in person)
• Getting adequate sleep on a regular schedule
• Eating healthy
• Talking to a trusted friend or family member
• Practicing relaxation, mindfulness and prayer
If the symptoms above do not improve or seem to be worsening despite self-care efforts, talk to your health care provider.
Seek professional help:
Psychotherapy (talk therapy with a Christian therapist )—virtual or in person; individual, group, or family
Resources
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (June 2018). Suicide in Children and Teens. www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Faces_For_Families/FFF-Guide-Teen-Suicide-010.aspx
Smith, M., Robinson, L., Segal, J., & Reid, S. (2021). Parent's Guide to Teen Depression. www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/parents-guide-to-teen-depression.htm#
https://corechristianity.com/resources/articles/help-my-teen-is-struggling-with-anxiety
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/walking-our-children-through-depression
https://www.mentalhealthishealth.us/
https://www.mentalhealthaction.network/
Footnotes
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (May 2021). Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. www.cdc.gov/injury/wisgars
2 Horowitz, L. M., Bridge, J. A., Teach, S. J., Ballard, E., Klima, J. Rosenstein, D.L., ... & Pao, M. (2012). Asl Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ): a brief instrument for the pediatric emergency department. Archives of Peiatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 166(12), 1170-1176.
3 Though Christ is the ultimate answer for someone who is exhibiting suicidal tendencies, it is often not enough for us to simply share the gospel. It is important to alert authorities or to take the person to a health professional, if possible.
Handouts
https://mhttcnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Anxiety-in-Children-and-Teens.pdf
https://mhttcnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Depression-in-Children-and-Teens.pdf
https://mhttcnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Suicide-Warning-Signs-in-Children-and-Teens.pdf
https://s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/nwrn.org/files/P/nih-my-mental-health-508.pdf
Mabel Martinez-Almonte, MA, OTR/L, NCC
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
DISCLAIMER: The content on this blog is generated for entertainment or/and informative purposes, but not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.