Summer 2024   

Volume 14, #3

Greetings and welcome to The Voice, Mental Health Edition! 

This edition features articles and resources for those caring for children and youth impacted by mental illness and ways to help children with a family member battling mental health issues.

I've battled mental illness since I was a child. I was 12 the first time I tried to kill myself. Another attempt at 14 led to a diagnosis of bipolar. This changed to schizoaffective disorder in my 20's when hallucinations and delusions took over my world. I still remember the pain and isolation I felt as a child, an outcast, battling a disease no one I knew could relate to. Back then, mental illness and children was not understood. My friends and family didn't know how to handle a child with mental health issues. I was confused and scared as my mother, a university professor, still fell victim to the viewpoint that a suicide attempt was something shameful to be hidden. I was told parents wouldn't allow my friends to be near me as that would lead to their child following suit. I was isolated from those who could support me when I needed them the most.

We hope you find these articles and resources beneficial. Children cannot navigate this minefield without support. Hopefully children and youth will experience love, acceptance, and inclusion without distinction. If this resonates with you, I hope you find this newsletter helpful in your or your child's journey.

Jasmine Ray-Symms, MA,

Editor, Mental Health Task Force

Pacific Northwest Conference,

Photo by Robert Collins on Unsplash

Mental Health First Aid

Supporting Mental Health in Youth: A Guide for Pastors and Congregations

Resources for a Child with a Mentally Ill Parent

Children's Books on Mental Illness

Subscribe

In my lived faith experience, mental health was misunderstood at best, and stigmatized at worst. The typical antidote was more prayer, or a prescribed increase in another spiritual practice. While that certainly could be beneficial in some cases, this approach also avoids the research-based truth that many mental health challenges require practical, professional, and/or medical care. Meanwhile, the Church is defined in Scripture as us, no matter the season of life we find ourselves in. No matter the struggle. John Wesley once said “the world is our parish.” To me this means the struggle of another is also mine. The complexity of the generalized universal Church approach to mental health, mixed with a desire to offer actual help, led me to discovering The National Council for Mental Wellbeing online, as well as the Mental Health First Aid courses they offer. 

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, as well as moments of psychosis. The training equips people with the skills required to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. The instructors are typically people that are educated and working in the field of social work, and all the content of each course is research-based. There are two different courses available to anyone who would like to sign up: Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid. After taking a course, you take an exam to become certified. The certification lasts 3 years before renewal.  

I am now certified in both Youth Mental Health First Aid and Adult Mental Health First Aid. I can already see the benefits for me in ministry, as well as the people I serve in my local church. I am now more equipped with confidence to have difficult conversations that can lead to a person surviving a difficult season of life, as well as more aware of the resources available to help anyone find the professional care they need. Further, I can speak out against the stigma of mental health in the Church with logic and experience. Finally, I can champion the cause of mental health awareness and training in the life of the Church so that we can express the divine love of God that cares deeply about the whole of humanity to all by providing care and resources to save lives and assist in the journey towards wholeness.

To find a course near you visit the National Council for Mental Wellbeing: Youth - Mental Health First Aid

Contributed by Kane McEntire, Great Plains Conference

Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash

Supporting Mental Health in Youth: A Guide for Pastors and Congregations

Psalm 127 tells us that children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord. Part of His calling is that we take care of these children, not only from a physical and spiritual aspect, but from a mental health aspect as well.

Mental health is critical for overall well-being, particularly in children, teens, and young adults. As these young individuals navigate the complexities of growing up, they often face mental health challenges that can significantly impact their lives. The church can play a pivotal role in providing the support and community they need.

Understanding Mental Health Issues

To help our children from all walks of life, we must first try to understand what they are going through. Mental health issues are especially hard on young children and teens, as they have a hard time effectively communicating what they are feeling. We must be aware of any signs that they display that might indicate an issue that they are having in their lives. Common mental health issues among youth include anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Statistics show that up to one in five young people will experience a mental health issue at some point www.cdc.gov, highlighting the need for awareness and intervention. Understanding these conditions is the first step toward helping those affected. Failure to pay attention to these signs, can have a negative impact on our youth today.

Impact on Youth

Mental health issues can greatly impact the daily lives of a child, teen, or young adult. These can disrupt daily activities, hinder academic performance, strain relationships, and affect spiritual growth. If left unaddressed, these problems can lead to severe long-term consequences, including substance abuse and self-harm. Early intervention and support are crucial.

Role of the Pastor

Pastors and congregations can be of great value in helping these kids battle the different and distinctive mental health issues that they face today. Pastors are in a unique position to offer spiritual guidance and pastoral care. They can support mental health by providing counseling, addressing mental health in sermons, and fostering a safe and accepting church environment. Pastors should also consider training in Mental Health First Aid to better assist their congregants.

Role of the Congregation

A supportive and inclusive church community is vital for young people facing mental health challenges. Congregations can organize support groups, host mental health awareness events, and work to reduce stigma. By showing compassion and understanding, church members can make a significant difference in the lives of children and youth.

Practical Steps for Churches

If you combine the separate roles that a congregation, the pastor and the church as a whole have, there is an opportunity to take practical steps to help our youth combat mental health issues. To effectively support mental health, churches can establish a mental health ministry or task force, collaborate with mental health professionals, and provide resources and referrals to local services. These actions demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of the community.

The involvement of pastors and congregations in mental health support is essential. By actively engaging in mental health initiatives, churches can create a nurturing environment where young people feel valued and supported. Let us commit to being a source of hope and healing for our youth.

Contributed by Mark Benson, Western Pennsylvania Conference

Photo by Senjuti Kundu on Unsplash

Resources for a Child with a Mentally Ill Parent

I wish these resources had been available decades ago. Here is a list of articles to benefit the whole family.

Helping the Child: The parent without a mental illness will benefit from this list of things to consider and the possible challenges before them that will help things flow more smoothly for the children.

https://www.copmi.net.au/family-friends/helping-the-child-2/ 

For Grandparents: Those with grandchildren whose parent has a mental illness will benefit from this list of things to consider and the possible challenges before them that will help things flow more smoothly for the grandchildren.

https://www.copmi.net.au/family-friends/grandparents/ 

Growing up with a Bipolar Parent: Here is a comprehensive article about growing up with a bipolar parent.

https://fherehab.com/learning/growing-up-bipolar-parent 

When a Parent Experiences Psychosis: What children want to know when their parent has a psychotic experience.

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/guides-and-publications/when-a-parent-has-experienced-psychosis 

Parent with Borderline Personality Disorder: Growing up with a borderline parent and how to heal.

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/raised-by-borderlines/ 

Narcissistic Parent: Helping the children growing up with a narcissistic parent.

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/children-of-narcissistic-parents 

Family Care Plan: The whole family will function better when there is a crisis plan already in place. 

https://www.copmi.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/family-care-plan.pdf 

Children and Youth Care Plan: Here is a crisis plan for a single mom with a mental illness and her children

https://d2p3kdr0nr4o3z.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2019/02/04100612/Emerging-Minds_Care-plan-for-children-and-young-people.pdf 

When Your Parent Has a Mental Illness: This is a helpful booklet for children ages 12 and older for the parent to use in explaining what is going on with the parent who has a mental illness and answer the common questions children may have.

https://www.copmi.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WYPHMI-youth-booklet-lo-res.pdf 

Youth Mental Health First Aid: Here’s a helpful course on helping youth with a mental illness.

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Youth-Mental-Health-First-Aid-Overview.pdf 

Family to Family: Parents without a mental illness will benefit greatly from NAMI’s (National Alliance on Mental Illness) free course. This is also helpful for adult children with a mentally ill parent.

https://www.nami.org/support-education/mental-health-education/nami-family-to-family/ 

Talking About Mental Illness with Children: This helpful resource guides the parent with a mental illness to talk with their child about it appropriately for their age level.

A. Toddlers and Young Children

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/talking-to-your-young-child-about-your-mental-health-difficulties/?audience=family 

B. Primary School-age Children

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/talking-to-primary-school-aged-child-about-mh-difficulties/?audience=family 

C. Teenagers

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/talking-to-your-teenager-about-your-mental-health-difficulties/?audience=family 

Finding a Support Group (Emerging Minds): It is important for the parent with a mental illness to find a support group. This is another source to locate one near you.

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/building-your-support-networks-a-guide-for-parents-living-with-mental-illness/?audience=family 

NAMI Connection: This link helps you find support groups for those parents with a mental illness. 

https://www.nami.org/support-education/support-groups/nami-connection/ 

Family Support Group: Here, help can be found to build a support system for the parent without a mental illness. This information helps the parent find the needed support from the community. Use this link to find a family support group near you.

https://www.nami.org/support-education/support-groups/nami-family-support-group/

Adult Child Syndrome: ACS is a condition in which children raised in a dysfunctional family carry that dysfunction into adulthood. It includes feelings of inadequacy, difficulty trusting, and the need to seek approval from others. This link assists in identifying and healing this disorder.

https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/co-occurring-disorders/adult-child-syndrome/ 

What it’s Like: This is a description of what it is like being a child of a mentally ill parent.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/head-games/202109/what-its-be-the-child-mentally-ill-parent 

Assembled by Rev. Dr. John Crowe, North Carolina Conference

Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

Children's Books on Mental Illness

CHILDREN 5-8

Find Your Calm by Gabi Garcia

This is colorful, easy to read book for children who are dealing with anxiety. The author, Gabi Garcia, explains anxiety simply and offers ways for children to use tools to help control their anxiety.

My Daddy Has PTSD by Miranda Watson with James Rosone

This is a very simple, child friendly book about a father who has returned from being in Iraq and when he returns home, he acts different. The book is written from the child’s experience of PTSD. The back of the book offers conversation starters as well as resources for adults.

Psychiatry for Kids by Betty Nguyen & Brandon Pham, MD and Jake Goodman, MD, MBA

This is a simple introduction to mental illness, developmental disabilities, diagnosis and treatment. Easy to follow. This resource offers a glossary page as well as a review page with an answer key. This book would be for older readers, perhaps 7-10 years old.

When A Donut Goes to Therapy by Erin Winters

This is a sweet book about anxiety and therapy. The author, Erin Winters, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Snowflake Publications LLC. There is a recap page for children as well as adults at the end of the book in addition to a resource about feelings. This is a cute, non-anxious way to explain therapy to children ages 5-8 years of age.



YOUTH 9-13

Marvin's Monster Diary ADHD Attacks by Dr Raun Melmed, Annette Sexton, et al.

This juvenile fiction resource explains ADHD is a non-threatening way. This resource helps children and youth understand ADHD and provides tools for the child to be mindful of their illness. The book is written as comic full of illustrations and chapters. There is a resource guide for parents and kids in the back of the book. It is easy to read for a tween as well as being able to be read together with an adult and younger child.



HIGH SCHOOL 14-UP

Am I Too Broken by Aryana Altaha

This is a beautiful collection of poetry by Aryana Altaha. Aryana is a 17-year-old advocate and author who works to help break down the stigma around mental illness. The author states that the purpose of the book is to help others, share their struggles and make them feel like they are not alone. The poetry is beautiful, insightful and provides scientifically proven coping mechanisms. This book is appropriate for ages 13-18.

Assembled by Rev. Dr. Marcee Binder, Great Plains Annual Conference

Upcoming Events

IFD400 - Mental Illness and the Church | BeADisciple.com

This course explores the experience of those with mental health issues within the church. Through discussion, learners will explore how mental health is seen in the church and ways to minister to those with mental health issues.

We hope this information is both helpful and meaningful for you and the children and youth in your lives. May God bless you as you do the work of ministering to those impacted by mental health issues.

As always, we welcome your feedback, suggestions, or questions. Please send them to us at the DMC email address and include "Mental Health" in your subject line.

Mental Health Task Force of the Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church