Dear youth ministry friends,

The narrative found in youth ministry is that mental health is on the decline within our young people. Indeed, one can hardly open up a youth ministry book—or newsletter article!—without being struck by the alarming statistics and concerning trends of the mental health of adolescents.

The narrative is exhausting.

At the same time, we know that youth are emotional sponges. If the adults around them are overwhelmed, beleaguered by lightning speed news cycles and a sense that one can do little to turn the tide of culture… youth will pick up on it.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As we ponder this particular season, I am persuaded by the notion that healthy people can be better caretakers for youth than those who ignore the illnesses they face. As such, here are few questions to ponder:

1. When the last time was that you took a day off of work? If that is not possible, perhaps a lunch hour not spent hunched over a keyboard? Time deliberately set apart can be a wonderful reset button for our well-being.
2. When did you last venture outside? For the majority of our country, this is a wonderful time to experience the outdoors, with spring unfolding its beautiful array of dance and color and new life. If possible, perhaps a moment of walking barefoot in the grass is in order.
3. How do you intentionally set your anxieties aside when your children arrive home from school? Or, when the youth show up for your next gathering? Or, when you get that phone call from that young person (you know the one)? Are there breath prayers that ground you? Or perhaps a walk outside? Or perhaps it’s a particular listening stance that asks questions rather than your pithy comments that seek to provide your deep, thoughtful wisdom as quickly as a Google search.

I too hope for a day when the future looks a little brighter for this field, and for our young people. The stigma against mental health conversations is—thanks be to God—starting to die a long overdue death. While more children and youth are suffering under the strains of mental health, more are also seeking help. We have reason to hope that, while we are in a difficult season for our youths’ well-being, it will not always be thus. As we tend to ourselves, we can better tend to your young people; this subversive act allows us to continue to remember that the shadows of angst and despair will never have the final word.

One last thing. Beloved of God, know that you are just that: beloved. Which means that you are never alone. We are with you: with resources, help, and deep care. Not just for what you do, but for who you are. Take care of yourselves.

With you on the journey,

Rev. Jill