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YOUTH MINISTRY AND MENTAL HEALTH

WELCOME

Joy Hensel, MA, LADC, ADC-MN

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION

Joy Hensel, PresenterMA, LADC, ADC-MN

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TODAY’S SCHEDULE

9:30am Welcome, Devotions9:45am Session One: Mental Health Issues for Youth Today10:30am Break10:45am Session Two: Youth Ministry and Suicide11:45am Lunch12:00pm Panel Discussion (over lunch)1:00pm Resource Table, Networking and Break1:30pm Session Three: What does this mean for youth ministry?3:15pm Closing Comments3:30pm End

LITANY OF NAMING By the Rev. Alan Johnson

Leader: On this day as we gather to discuss mental health and youth ministry, we join in this Litany of Naming.

People: As a group today we are glad to lift our voices and our spirits to break the silence that often happens when we are confronted with mental illness.

Leader: As a faith community, we name the gifts and the often unnamed experiences which come to those who live with a mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorder. We name:

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LITANY OF NAMING (CONTINUED)

People: The Hope which upholds our spirit through honest sharing;

Leader: The Pain when people turn away because of fear;

People: The Courage to speak in a safe place the way that Jesus spoke truth with love;

Leader: The Strength from being with others who listen compassionately;

LITANY OF NAMING (CONTINUED)

Leader: The Isolation that comes when no one knows what to say;

People: The Realization that mental illnesses and brain disorders can be managed;

Leader: The Exhaustion that comes with living with a mental illness as well as for those who are caregivers;

People: The Welcome of mental health as part of our church’s ministry and outreach;

Leader: The Wisdom that comes when we become educated about mental health;

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LITANY OF NAMING (CONTINUED)

Leader: The Spirituality that comes when we walk alongside those who show both resilience and vulnerability in their lives affected by mental illness;

All: We receive these gifts that we have named, those which are welcomed and those that are challenges. We come before you, our God, knowing we are not alone and that You will show us a way to be and live. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

WHO IS GATHERED HERE TODAY?

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GOALS FOR THE DAY

Educate beginning on mental health and youth ministry

Equip you with tools and understanding

Empower you to start the conversation about mental health in your ministry setting

Connect you with resources

SESSION TOPICS

Session 1 • Teen Brain• Definitions• Mental Health• Stigma• Mental Illness

• ADHD, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression

Session 2• Language• Risk Factors• Warning Signs• Reducing

Risk/Protective Factors

Session 3• Panel • Questions• Resources

Session 4• Self Care• Roles• Brainstorm session• What does this

mean for youth ministry

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THE TEEN BRAINSESSION ONE

The Teen Brain: 6 Things To Know

The Teen Brain: 6 Things to KnowDid you know that big and important changes are happening to the brain during adolescence? Here are 6 things to know about the teen brain:

1 Your brain does not keep getting bigger as you get older.

For girls, the brain reaches its largest physical size around 11 years old and for boys, the brain reaches its largest physical size around age 14. Of course, this difference in age does not mean either boys or girls are smarter than one another!

2 BUT that doesn’t mean your brain is done maturing.

For both boys and girls, although your brain may be as large as it will ever be, your brain doesn’t finish developing and maturing until your mid- to late-20s. The front part of the brain, called the prefrontal cortex, is one of the last brain regions to mature. It is the area responsible for planning, prioritizing and controlling impulses.

3 The teen brain is ready to learn and adapt.

In a digital world that is constantly changing, the adolescent brain is well prepared to adapt to new technology—and is shaped in return by experience.

4 Many mental disorders appear during adolescence.

All the big changes the brain is experiencing may explain why adolescence is the time when many mental disorders—such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders—emerge.

THE TEEN BRAIN(Refer to handout)

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LARGE GROUP BRAINSTORM

Name everything that comes to mind when you hear the words “mental health”

WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

• The foundation for thinking, communication, learning, resilience and self esteem.

• Mental Health is key to personal well being, relationships and contributing to community and society.

APA Mental Health a Guide for Faith Leaders

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HOW TO NURTURE A TEEN’S MENTAL HEALTH• Unconditional love from family• Self-confidence/self-esteem• Opportunities to play with others• Safe and secure surroundings• Appropriate guidance and discipline• Connection• Challenge, balanced with time to unwind• Scaffolding (I loved this idea of giving young people

challenges that are within their reach so that they can learn skills over time.)

https://www.psychologytoday.com /http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/every-child-need

SMALL GROUPS - AROUND YOUR TABLES

Answer this question:

• What is affecting the mental health of the youth and young adults that you work with today?

Please make a list and be ready to share your top 3 thoughts

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WHAT IS STIGMA?

“A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.”

HOW TO BREAKDOWN STIGMA

• Talk Openly About Mental Health

• Educate Yourself And Others

• Be Conscious Of Language

• Encourage Equality Between Physical And Mental Illness

• Be Honest About Treatment

• Practice Empathy Always

https://twstampede.com/2017/10/24/stand-up-to-stigma/

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HOW TO BREAKDOWN STIGMA

TEENS BREAKING DOWN STIGMA

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MENTAL ILLNESS

MENTAL ILLNESSESA Mental Illness is…

A disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thought and/or behavior, resulting in an inability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines.

-Mental Health a Guide for Faith Leaders

NAMI defines Mental Illness as…A condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood.

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WHAT CAUSES MENTAL ILLNESS

http://mhah.org/who-we-are/why-mental-health-matters/

Inherited traits

Environmental exposures before birth

Brain Chemistry

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/symptoms-causes/syc-20374968

MENTAL HEALTH FACTS: CHILDREN AND TEENS

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Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of!

Mental illness is a medical condition.

Mental illnesses are treatable.

WHAT MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE YOU ENCOUNTERING WITH THOSE WHOM YOU WORK?

• Small groups

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ADHD, ADDICTION, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

ADHD, ADDICTION, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

• Could spend an entire session or day on each of these topics

• Define• Symptoms• Helpful hints

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ADHD: ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERDefined:

A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that

interferes with functioning or development to a degree that is inconsistent

with the developmental level, and that negatively impacts directly on social

and academic/occupational activities.https://adhd-institute.com/assessment-diagnosis/diagnosis/dsm-5/

Symptoms:• Inattention• Impulsivity• Hyperactivity(sometimes)

ADHD: ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Specific Struggles:

• Difficulties with Executive Functioning*• Lower tolerance to frustration (may

seem emotionally immature)• Poor self esteem

• Social difficulties• Driving • Adherence to medication regimen

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https://infograph.venngage.com/p/223260/adhd-explained-easy-for-kids

ADHD EXPLAINED FOR KIDS

IDEAS FOR WORKING WITH YOUTH WITH ADHD

• Create a routine• Set up “house rules”• Build on strengths

• Make sure directions are understood• Be consistent• Peer accountability

https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/

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TEEN SUBSTANCE ABUSE: 10 MOST COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS1. Alcohol2. Marijuana3. Nicotine4. Adderall5. Oxycontin (and other Prescription Opioids)

6. Tranquilizers7. Spice/K28. Hallucinogens9. Inhalants10. Dextromethorphan (DXM)

www.projectknow.com

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION

www.ashwoodrecovery.com

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ADDICTION

• A Disease of Mind, Body, and Spirit• A Brain Disease• Addiction is a primary disease, which means it is not the result of some other problem.

For example, addiction is not caused by a bad marriage or other difficulty in life.

We also know addiction is:• Progressive–if unaddressed, it will get worse• Chronic–there is no cure, but it can be managed• Potentially fatal

www.hazeldenbettyford.org/

Defined

RISK FACTORS

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ADDICTION WARNING SIGNS FOR TEENS

• Difficulty thinking or keeping focus

• Decline in school performance

• Paranoia, irritability, anxiety, fidgeting

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

• Abandonment of long-time peer group

• Heightened secrecy

www.hazeldenbettyford.org/

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

• Bloodshot eyes• Frequent nosebleeds (indicative of

snorting drugs such as cocaine or meth)• Deterioration of physical appearance

https://www.advancedrecoverysystems.com/resources/parents-guide/

• Injuries the teen can’t or won’t tell you about• Unusual smells on breath, body or

clothes• Incoherent or slurred speech

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PROTECTIVE FACTORS

ANXIETYDefined:

Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that involve excessive amounts of anxiety,

fear, nervousness, worry, or dread. Anxiety that is too constant or too intense can cause a

person to feel preoccupied, distracted, tense, and always on alert. https://kidshealth.org

• Anxiety happens because your brain thinks there might be danger, even when there is no

danger at all.

• Everyone experiences anxiety on some level

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ANXIETYWhen feelings of anxiety interfere with daily life, it is time to seek help

1. Physical symptoms2. A youth limits what they have to do or want

to do. Ex. going to school, not seeing friends, not dating

ANXIETY: SYMPTOMSPhysically …• Tense muscles.• Shaking hands.• Feeling as though you’re going

to vomit.• Feeling as though you want to

burst into tears.• Feeling angry.

Feelings …• Fearful, worried, overwhelmed, out of control• Dread, as though something bad is going to happen• Panic that seems to come from nowhere• Feeling separate to your physical self or your

surroundings. • (This is called depersonalization and it can be driven by anxiety.)

www.heysigmund.com/anxiety-in-teens/

Thoughts…• Negative thoughts

• (what-ifs, thoughts about being judged or embarrassed, small thoughts that grow into big worries.

• Excessive worry about physical symptoms • (that a cut might become infected, that a headache might

mean brain cancer).

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ANXIETY: WHAT CAN HELP?Anxiety Management Activities

• Getting exercise• Eating nutritious food• Breathing• Learning to say no• Keeping a journal (gratitude)• Having fun with friends• Distractions (worried, take mind off- watch a movie)• Mindfulness

https://paradigmmalibu.com/9-strategies-managing-anxiety/

ANXIETY: DURING A PANIC ATTACK

• Have your teen focus on their breathing.(ex. Focus on Sniff a flower, blow out a candle, Smell and cool the Pizza, finger tracing)

• Recite a prayer, count to 10, recite a mantra (I am safe and loved), or even the alphabet in their mind.

• Change their environment.

https://paradigmmalibu.com/help-teen-panic-attack/

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ANXIETY MANAGEMENT ACTIVITES FOR YOUTH

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mindfulness-Activity-Cards-2517379 https://www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/hnigatu/things-to-do-when-youre-feeling-down

DEPRESSION

DefinedDepression (major depressive disorder) is a medical illness that can interfere with your ability to handle your daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or managing your school work.

www.nimh.nih.gov

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DEPRESSION: SYMPTOMS• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness

• Excessive isolation

• Abandonment of friends and social groups

• Unexpected weeping or excessive moodiness

• Self-mutilation, or mention of hurting himself or herself

www.healthychildren.org/

DEPRESSION: WHAT CAN HELP?

• Promote health

• Provide safety and security

• Educate others

• Help teens learn thinking and coping skills

www.healthychildren.org/

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CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS

Defined

Co-Occurring disorder, also known as dual diagnosis refers to the co-existence

of a substance use disorder alcohol or other drug abuse or dependence and a

mental health disorder.

https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/co-occurring-disorders

LOTS MORE STUFF OUT THERE

• Bullying• Gaming• Gambling• Dating violence

• School violence• Abuse• Other Mental Illnesses• Trauma• The Digital Age (phones,

Instagram, FB, texting and 17 more apps…)

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MEDICATIONSSome pointers:• Create a church/camp policy and procedure

surrounding youth and medication. (ex. Paid Staff person always keeps the medication)

• Be proactive- talk about it in order to break down stigma (We know many youth today take meds, here are our guidelines….)

• Meet with parents and youth so that you are on the same page

• Accountability- a daily check in about meds• Take seriously the impact of changes in food and

timing and sleep on an individual• Age, where going, what type of meds.• Volunteers: need to know basis

This is an example of the enormous demands on youth ministry staff and volunteers

No classes in seminary on medication management

Ex. Camp- take kids off their meds and send them to day camp and camp

SESSION 1 WRAP UP• What is Mental health and how does it impact youth and how to nurture it• What is the difference between mental health and mental illness• Stigma and how our faith communities can break down• Overviews of Mental Health Conditions youth are experiencing• (ADHD, Substance Abuse/Addiction, Anxiety, Depression) and helpful

hints for ministry• What is a Co-occurring Disorder

Did not get to Austim Spectrum Disorders- Disordered Eating Resource Table has some links to helpful local and national resources.

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Brush off Stress

SELF CARE MOMENT

BREAK

• We are going to take a break now for about 10 min

• Please help yourself to something to eat, and drink, enjoy some deep breaths, check out the resource table.

• Before we address the next topic of suicide

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TEEN WARNING SIGNS

SUICIDE AND YOUTH MINISTRYSESSION TWO

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SESSION 2 SUICIDE AND YOUTH MINISTRY

• https://www.facebook.com/cari.wheelerwood/videos/10160743101485401/

• Take 2-3 minutes around your tables to share thoughts/feelings about the video clip.

SMALL GROUPS

How did the church you grew up in talk about suicide?

How does the church talk about suicide now?

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SMALL GROUPS CONT.How can the language we use surrounding suicide contribute to stigma?

What are your thoughts on this excerpt from Hazelden lifelines: (Postvention, pg. 27)

The words we use to talk about suicide can contribute to the social stigma that still surrounds it. We talk about someone “committing” suicide for example and don’t realize that the primary use of that word refers to committing a rime. We also talk about a “successful” attempt without recognizing that the word “successful” signals an accomplishment. How can we be more sensitive in the way we talk about suicide? Experts in the field recommend talking about a “completed” suicide or saying died by suicide rather than adding the more commonly used” committed” or “successful”. In similar way, we can simply say an ”attempt” without the qualifier of “failed” or unsuccessful.

What language have you found helpful? (Died by suicide, completed suicide, suicided…)

BISHOP EATON MESSAGE ON SUICIDE PRVENTION

https://suicidepreventionministry.org/

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CHARACTERISTICS OF SUICIDE

• Suicide is viewed as an alternative to a seemingly unsolvable problem• Crisis thinking impairs problem solving• A suicidal person is often ambivalent• The choice of suicide has an irrational component• Suicide is a form of communication

• (Intervention, Hazelden Lifelines)

WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE (FACTS)

•Feelings•Actions•Changes•Threats•Situations• Hazelden lifelines curriculum

NAMI

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RECOGNIZING THE RISK OF SUICIDE

www.google.com/search?q=NAmi+teen+suicide+infographics&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj9pb3o6dzdAhXjz4MKHXmXCTMQsAR6BAgDEAE&biw=1440&bih=739#imgdii=bJ0bR1KJd3VTJM:&imgrc=KkQ2rtl3UG6U8M:

5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain• Ask• Keep them safe• Be There• Help them connect (1-800-273-TALK (8255))• Stay Connected• www.nimh.nih.gov

• *Let the youth know that you need to inform another trusted adult, ask them who that could be (youth director, pastor, parent)

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SUICIDE RESOURCES

• https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/#sm.00000ucdmsu3w8d3ws1he8ci5uqvu

• Know the Signs (website put in and click on here)https://www.suicideispreventable.org

REDUCING THE RISK/PROTECTIVE FACTORS

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WHAT ABOUT WHEN THERE ARE NOT WARNING SIGNS?• What did I miss? What could I have done?

Sometimes the answer is nothing

• Many times people drop hints, as a cry for help or a way to communicate their distress, sometimes even unconsciously. Other times there are simply no warning signs.

What can we do as the church when individuals die by suicide with/without warning? (small and large group questions)

TEEN SUICIDE PREVENTION

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LUNCH AND PANEL

• Elizabeth Sorenson-Denfeld Highschool Mental Health Therapist• Pat M. and Cindy S.- NAMI Duluth Affiliate: Board Members • Deb Hemphill- Hazelden Betty Ford• Lori Thrun Program Manager- Behavioral Health Essentia Health

Amberwing-Center for Youth and Family Well-being-

Please write down questions for Panelists and give to Catherine or Joy

SELF CARE MOMENT: BREATH

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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUTH MINISTRY?SESSION THREE

GROUP ACTIVITY

Post it note person

I want you to think about your current role in ministry. What are the expectations for you in that role….think broadly, mental health and all the other hats that you wear

Please bring forward and stick on our friendly ministry stick person.

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EXPECTATIONS

• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS

• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS

• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS

• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS• EXPECTATIONS

SESSION 3 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUTH MINISTRY

Brene Brown Blog Article- Read for Large Group

Small groups process

What jumped out at you/found interesting/thoughts from this blog post? How is this article helpful to you in your role?

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WHAT IS MY ROLE SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH?• Safety always first• Educate yourself/Resource List• Listen (stay calm)• Support (respond, believe)• Assist them in getting help (refer to a mental health professional)• Connect with families• Follow up

SMALL GROUP BRAINSTORM

Paid Ministry Staff

• Why is it important to talk about mental health and mental health conditions?

• With whom do you connect in your community about Mental Health?

• How can learning about mental health/mental health conditions be integrated into programming/staff training?

• What kinds of opportunities/events would meet needs of youth and families in your congregation?

Volunteers

• How do you educate, equip and empower your volunteers around the topic of mental health and mental health conditions?

• Volunteers, with a focus on mental health, what would be helpful to you?

Congregations

• How is/How can your congregation begin the conversation on Mental Health Issues- Mental Illnesses-Suicide? (Brainstorm)

Outdoor Ministry- See handout

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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUTH MINISTRY TODAY?1. It’s hard 2. It’s not all on you, you are not alone3. It’s about prioritizing personal time for self awareness and self

care 4. It’s about recognizing, role modeling and following through with

our own healthy boundaries 5. It’s about reaching out and developing partnerships 6. It’s about creating teams from those partnerships so that together

we can best meet the needs of youth and families.7. It’s about educating ourselves and others

The seed is in the ground.Now may we rest in hopeWhile darkness does its work.(Sabbath Poems, 1991, V)

From Wendell Berry. New Collected Poems. 2013. Berkeley, CA: Counterpoint Press.

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IN CLOSING

BENEDICTION:

Leader: The One who created all that is calls us by name and invites us into a life of abundant Love.

All: We go out into the world as God’s beloved people, bringing Holy Love to all whom we meet.

Leader: Jesus taught us to love one another as fiercely and freely as God loves each of us, with the power that binds us together as the Body of Christ.

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BENEDICTION

All: We will embody Christ by shattering stigma and welcoming all, leaving no one outside.

Leader: The Spirit fills us with the Breath of Life and urges us to imagine anew how to be Church in the world today.

All: We will breathe deeply and move beyond what has been and what is. We will follow the Spirit and bring hope and healing to all who live in despair and brokenness. We will be the Church!

Prayers for Mental Health Sunday, May 20, 2018, were prepared by the UCC Mental Health Network, the Rev. Dr. Rachael Keefe, writer and pastor of Living Table United Church of Christ in Minneapolis, MN. Other prayers, pastoral resources and the W .I.S.E. GS resolution m ay be found at this link: http://m hnucc.blogspot.com /p/m ental-health-sunday.htm l

MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES

https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions(Names mental health conditions, explains, Treatment, Support and Discuss)

https://www.namidulutharea.com/resources.html(A plethora of local resources)

https://www.suicideispreventable.org/(Interactive website with what to say and do when suicide warning signs appear)