It was the last day in our health class and I was going around the room to check off the students homework. I came across a student who had completed one assignment but not the other that was also due on this day. I looked at her and she looked back at me; I knew she had something to say. She came over and stood directly in front of me and asked if she could whisper something to me for a more private conversation. I said "sure". She leans in and says "well, I couldn't complete the other homework assignment because I'm suicidal and it is really hard for me to think about my future; I just can't! That's why it is not complete!" This student is in the 7th grade.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
As a PK (preachers kid) and a GrandPK (preachers grandkid), church has been a large part of my life and upbringing. Health education has become a large part of my life also in my adult years and what I have noticed, simply put, is that there is always room for improvement.
There are many facets to a persons health overall that aren't just physical. In my opinion, emotional, social, spiritual, environmental and mental health are important also and very very real. The church can offer amazing resources for believers, but I think it has become more apparent in recent years that the church can do more, especially for the younger generations.
According to MentalHealthAmerica.net, 1 in 5 adults have a mental health condition and youth mental health is worsening. Rates of youth depression has increased over the past few years from 8.5% in 2011 to 11.1% in 2014 and yet even with severe depression, 80% of youth are left with little to no treatment. Research from Stanford's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing echo previous sentiments by stating "we are in the midst of a national public health crisis among US youth" and expresses that 50% of mental health disorders have their onset by the age of 14 and 75% emerge before the age of 25. If there is something is wrong with our bodies, guaranteed we will get the message at church to pray and go to the doctor's office. But I've noticed that similar messaging around mental health is lacking. What messages are we given in church for youth and adults who are truly struggling with their mental health? This brings me to a very key point. Yes we can and we should pray, but we can pray AND see a counselor or therapist for added support. The Bible says in James 2 verse 17 says that "faith without works is dead" and the NLT version states that "faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds it is dead and useless".
Let's talk about trauma for a moment!
Many people have a narrow idea of what trauma is, they may even believe that their experiences took place so long ago, it doesn't matter. It does matter, if not effectively addressed it can and will manifest itself in other ways. I think it is important to note that The American Psychological Association defines trauma as "an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, national disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms..." Trauma can affect a person in different ways, but first it is important to know how trauma is defined and then call it by its name. This bring me to my second point, those with mental health issues are NOT crazy! Words like these sadly continue to perpetuate the shame a stigma that surround mental health. We need to broaden our minds and our understanding of trauma so that we can be a resource to those who may need our help. Examples of trauma include (but aren't limited to): the experience of neglect, bullying, school violence, natural disaster, grief/separation, victim or witness to domestic/community violence, sexual/physical/emotional abuse or assault, serious accident, medical procedure, and more. Our youth are in front of their screens very often and seeing repeated images (or real life experiences) of shootings, dealing with the death of their friends/family members, school pressures, etc. It is time to step up and support. Here are some ideas for how.
How can religious leaders help?
-Be prepared to address Mental Health in your congregations. Listen with a non-judgmental ear and assess risk.
-Give reassurance and information as well and encourage individuals to seek appropriate professional help also. Encourage self help and other supportive strategies too.
-Train your staff, volunteers, and congregants to model healthy coping behaviors and provide outside resources.
-Organize educational programs in addition to church service, Sunday school and board meetings.
-Keep in mind that a diagnosis does not tell you their functioning; use person-first language during communication (ex: they're depressed —> this person is dealing with depression).
-Remember that as a leader of a faith community, you help set the tone for how your community responds to these issues.
How can we do the work?
Learn as much as possible about the topic to enhance your personal repertoire of understanding so that you can help others.
Know the signs (habits & behaviors) that a person may be struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc to increase the ability to offer assistance before things progress too far.
Reflect on your own mental health status and ask the hard questions to then increase spaces in your life for continued personal growth and improvement.
Share with others the information obtained in order to continue being a resource person to others and raise awareness surrounding this topic.
Be the change that you want to see in the spaces around you. Imagine someone comes to you; what lasting affect would you like to have?
As an educator, the stories I hear, the questions I receive from youth, the Facebook post I just saw about two young people in a partnership committing suicide within days of one another, and the experiences I've listened to from adults all have inspired this post. Social media and its influence on our youth is a blog post all its own (definitely on the way). Mental health affects us all, and it is vital that we don't remain silent or ignore what makes us uncomfortable. In an article entitled "12 Reasons Millennials are OVER Church", reason #9 is because "we want you to talk to us about controversial issues (because no one else is) and the author lists eleven more reasons along with solutions. The church has a responsibility to perhaps update a few things that can assist in the conversation and aid others towards becoming healthier in all regards!
If you or someone you know is living with a mental health diagnosis please know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE and there is support/many resources available for you!
Let us work together to silence the shame and speak up about things plaguing our communities and remember to always be well!
Resources:
www.mentalhealth.gov, www.nami.org, https://www.apa.org/, www.silencetheshame.com
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
With Love,
-D