When I served as a youth pastor, mental health issues were not even on our radar. Today, these issues have risen to the top of concerns for this generation of youth.
As a Youth Pastor, you have the opportunity and responsibility to care for the young people entrusted to you. Today’s cultural moment requires not only high levels of awareness about their spiritual life but also their health and well-being.
From Stressed to Refreshed: Strategies for Enhanced Well-being
But first, let’s start by thinking about mental health for yourself. You cannot give away what you do not have. The people you serve need to know you are doing well, so take care of yourself – spiritually, physically, and emotionally. You often face high demands and emotional stresses that can impact your mental health.
Usually, you may be the last one to realize how you are slipping mentally and emotionally. What are some signs in your life to look for that may indicate some mental health struggles?
- Difficulties getting enough sleep (or no difficulties sleeping a lot).
- Finding yourself getting angry and irritable with people or situations that didn’t bother you as much before.
- Having a lack of positive attitude and joy in the ministry to the youth God has given you to love and nurture.
- Eating too much or too little.
- Feeling sick, fatigued, and sluggish for no particular reason.
- Moods of worry, nervousness, or dread.
Here are several practical steps you can take to maintain mental well-being:
- Establish Healthy Boundaries:
- Set clear personal and professional boundaries to prevent burnout. This includes having specific work hours, protecting personal time, and learning to say no when necessary.
- Maintain a Strong Support System:
- Cultivate relationships with friends, family, and colleagues who provide emotional support and understanding. Having a mentor or peer group within the ministry can offer valuable advice and empathy.
- Practice Spiritual Disciplines:
- Deepen your spiritual life through regular prayer, meditation, reading scripture, and other spiritual practices that nourish your faith and provide inner strength.
- Seek Professional Help When Needed:
- Do not hesitate to seek counseling or therapy if you are experiencing persistent stress, anxiety, or depression. Another Pastor or a Professional mental health support can provide effective strategies for coping and maintaining mental health.
- Regular Reflection and Assessment:
- Take time to reflect on your work and personal life to assess stress levels and emotional well-being. Regular check-ins can help you recognize early signs of burnout or mental health struggles.
- Continuous Learning:
- Invest in ongoing education and training in areas such as counseling, stress management, and youth psychology. This not only enhances your skills but also provides personal enrichment.
- Delegate and Empower Others:
- Share responsibilities with trusted team members and volunteers. Delegating tasks can reduce workload and stress, and empowering others can help build a supportive community.
- Stay Physically Active:
- Regular physical activity can significantly reduce stress and improve mood. Whether it’s joining a sports league, going for daily walks, or practicing yoga, find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.
- Maintain Hobbies and Interests:
- Keep up with hobbies and interests outside of your ministry work. Engaging in activities unrelated to work can provide a refreshing mental break and help maintain a balanced perspective on life.
Please don’t read this list and think, yeah, yeah, yeah – I get it. I need to take care of myself. Take to heart these common-sense time-tested suggestions of taking care of yourself so you can take care of others.
By integrating these practices into daily life, you can better manage the stresses of your roles and maintain balanced spiritual and mental vibrancy, ultimately enhancing your effectiveness and resilience in ministry.
I encourage you also to find ways to help other people. I have been able to minister to friends and acquaintances through Alcoholics Anonymous. One of the guidelines given to them is that whenever they are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or depressed, go help somebody! It is amazing how this helps to transform negative thoughts and feelings into positive ones.
If you have a family, don’t forget they are your primary ministry. If the Ministry/Family time conflict causes family tension, agree with your pastor on guidelines acceptable for you to maintain a balance that suits your ministries, your family, and your youth program.
From Stress to Strength: Youth Pastors as Allies in Adolescent Mental Health
Here are the major contributing factors to mental health challenges for our youth.
- Social Media and Technology:
- Social Comparison: Social media platforms can foster a culture of comparison, where teens compare themselves to idealized images and lifestyles, leading to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.
- Cyberbullying: Online harassment and bullying can have severe psychological effects on young people.
- Screen Time: Excessive use of screens can lead to sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and social isolation, all of which can contribute to mental health issues.
- Academic Pressure:
- High Expectations: Increasing academic demands and pressure to achieve can lead to stress and anxiety.
- College Admissions: The competitive nature of college admissions can exacerbate stress levels.
- Family Dynamics:
- Parental Pressure: Expectations from parents to excel academically, athletically, or socially can contribute to stress and anxiety.
- Family Conflict: Divorce, financial instability, and other family issues can create a stressful home environment.
- Social Issues:
- Peer Pressure: Pressure to fit in, be accepted, and conform to social norms can be overwhelming.
- Isolation: Despite being more connected digitally, many teens feel isolated and lack meaningful face-to-face interactions.
- Economic Factors:
- Poverty: Economic hardship can lead to stress and limited access to mental health resources.
- Insecurity: Concerns about future job prospects and economic stability can contribute to anxiety.
- Trauma and Abuse:
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Exposure to trauma, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence, can have long-lasting effects on mental health.
- Biological Factors:
- Genetics: Family history of mental health issues can increase the risk.
- Brain Development: Adolescence is a critical period for brain development, and hormonal changes can affect mood and behavior.
Adolescent mental health has been a growing concern, especially with increasing reports of mental health issues among teens and young adults. Here are some alarming statistics that highlight the scope of these challenges:
- Prevalence of Depression:
- Major depression is up 60% since 2007. According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, about one out of every nine U.S. adolescents aged 12-17 experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2019 – and the rate has been increasing since.
- Anxiety Disorders:
- Anxiety disorders are also prevalent among adolescents. The CDC reports that approximately 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years (about 5.8 million) are diagnosed with high anxiety in the U.S. This number tends to increase with age.
- Suicide Rates:
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-34 in the United States. The CDC noted a significant rise in adolescent suicide rates from 2007 to 2018. Although there was a slight decrease in 2019 and 2020, rates remain historically high.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic still has consequences in the lives of many young people. A survey conducted in 2020 found that 25% of parents observed a worsening in their teens’ mental health during the pandemic. Despite high rates of mental health issues, many adolescents do not receive the help they need. Data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) indicates that among adolescents with major depressive episodes, only about 60% received treatment.
These statistics underscore the critical need for effective mental health resources, awareness, and intervention programs specifically tailored for adolescents. You, as a Youth Pastor, can help your youth find a path to peace and stability.
Be on the lookout for the signs of emotional and social strain among your youth:
- A sudden change in mood/behavior or withdrawal from the group.
- Becoming agitated and aggressive.
- Comments, even in jest, about wanting to hurt someone or themselves.
- Talking about death and dying.
Do your best to let the youth know you are aware that many young people struggle with mental health issues. Explain why they may be struggling using the information I cited earlier.
They need to know there is no shame in thinking and feeling the way they do. Express to them that you are available to talk with them confidentially. As always, parents will need to be informed and involved.
Find out how other Youth Pastors in this network are responding to the need to address mental health issues. And let us know if we can be of any help or resource.
Whether it is you or your youth in need of care, the fact that you both are a part of the youth group is a real plus. Even non-religious organizations recognize faith can play an important and healing role. Here is an example from The National Alliance on Mental Illness:
Religion gives people something to believe in, provides a sense of structure, and typically offers a group of people to connect with similar beliefs – a huge impact on mental health. Research suggests that religion reduces suicide rates, alcoholism, and drug use.
This is about as “pro-religion” as a secular organization can get!
A Few Words from Our Sponsor
As Christians, we recognize the power and healing role the Holy Spirit can play in a person’s life, to overcome evil and restore peace and stability to the soul. We have the greatest “sponsor” to mentor us into places of stability and joy.
Below are passages of Scripture replete with the truths of God’s care, concern, and commitment to guide you to understand and embrace His promises. Read through these regularly for yourself and be ready to share them with your youth.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
2 Timothy 1:7
God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Galatians 5:22-24
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually
Deuteronomy 31:8
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed
Isaiah 26:3
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Lamentations 3:22-24
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Let me know how you are doing and if you have any insights, suggestions, or resources to help your colleagues serve the youth.
God bless you in your important work. Remember, you deal with precious commodities! If you ever want to reach out, please email me at [email protected]
Eyes on Him,
Dr. Bill Brown
Scholar in Residence
Youth Pastors Summit