Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders

Anyone who has regular interaction with teenagers can tell you that there has been an increase in the number of students struggling with mental health issues in recent years. An uptick in bullying, violence in schools, and social media pressures have only added to the stress, anxiety, and depression they feel. How can parents, churches, and parents help?

Teenagers and Mental Health is a comprehensive guide to better understanding the challenges adolescents face and outlines strategies for compassionate, gospel-centered care. Married coauthors Monica Kim, a licensed psychologist and biblical counselor and Danny Kwon, a veteran youth pastor, have extensive experience in working with struggling youth both professionally and as parents. They equip youth leaders, pastors, parents, and other caregivers to notice when a teen is having trouble and reach out to offer help.

Included in the book is direction for care and help with specific conditions such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, and substance use, as well as an emphasis on the importance of churches offering resources to encourage and equip parents, and promotes collaboration between families, churches, and mental health professionals. Published in partnership with Rooted Ministry, Teenagers and Mental Health provides practical tools for support, including questionnaires and activities to assist teenagers in understanding their problems and turning to Jesus and other caring adults to get the help they need.