Mental Health Resources from NFCYM
The World Health Organization estimates that globally one in seven 10 to 19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder—a total of 13% of all diseases for this age group. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are the leading causes of disability among young people.1 A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control found that 44% of high school students reported they persistently felt sad or hopeless during the past year.
Our work as youth ministers has become even more important as numerous studies show that religiosity has a positive effect on the mental health outcomes of young people. This doesn’t mean that some teens won’t require mental health treatment like therapy or medications, but it provides clear evidence that all young people need to hear the Gospel. Let us never forget Pope Francis’s opening words in Christus Vivit:
Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world, and everything he touches becomes young, new, full of life. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!
To assist all who accompany young people and advocate for their needs within their local communities, NFCYM members have produced and curated the following resources. If you know of additional resources, please send them to [email protected].
Resources Available to the Field
Members of the NFCYM cultivate Resource Pages with up-to-date information concerning topics relevant to the field of youth ministry. These pages contain information about topics that pertain to the mental well-being of our young people. Please feel free to share these resources with others!
Resources Available to Members
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Video Title: Momentum III: Breakout Session B-2
Presentation Title: What’s Trending in the Mental Health of Gen Z and Why it Matters for Ministry
Presenter: Laura Lewis
Video Title: Restoring Hope Session 3: The Hidden Cries of Young People
Presentation Title: The Hidden Cries of Young People
Presenters: Laura Lewis and Dr. Michael Lewis
Video Title: Stress, Anxiety and Depression in the Pandemic Era
Presentation Title: Stress, Anxiety and Depression in the Pandemic Era, a Special Counselor Call in Session with Laura Lewis
Presenters: Laura Lewis