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Equipping Parents to Navigate the Teen Mental Health Crisis: Event Recap

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." - Proverbs 12:25

A Growing Crisis Meets Biblical Wisdom

The statistics are alarming and, for many parents in our congregation, all too familiar. The rate of teenagers struggling with high anxiety and depression has doubled in the last two years. As families in our community face these challenges, our church remains committed to equipping parents with both biblical wisdom and practical resources to navigate these difficult waters.

This commitment was on full display during our recent Parent Equipping Event focused on Teenage Mental Health. For those who couldn't attend in person, we invite you to click HERE to view the event recording.

A Morning of Learning and Hope

On Saturday, February 26th, parents gathered in our fellowship hall, many arriving early with notebooks in hand and concern in their hearts. The atmosphere was one of both urgency and hope—parents united in their desire to better understand and support their teens through mental health challenges. The event was led by one of Christian Assembly pastors, Matt Price.

Four Pillars of the Event

The event focused on equipping parents in four critical areas:

1. Greater Awareness

Pastor Matt began by helping parents understand the current landscape of teen mental health. He shared eye-opening statistics about the dramatic rise in anxiety and depression among teenagers, explaining how factors like social media, academic pressure, pandemic isolation, and cultural shifts have contributed to this crisis.

"What we're seeing isn't just typical teenage moodiness," Pastor Matt explained. "We're witnessing a genuine mental health crisis that requires intentional response from parents and the church community."

2. Biblical Perspective

The event carefully balanced professional mental health insights with solid biblical teaching. Pastor Matt addressed common misconceptions about mental health in Christian communities, emphasizing that seeking professional help is not a sign of spiritual failure.

"God works through many means of grace—sometimes that's prayer and Scripture, and sometimes that's therapy and medication," he shared. "The Bible doesn't pit spiritual health against mental health; it acknowledges the complexity of human beings created in God's image."

Pastor Matt explored passages like Psalm 34:17-18, 1 Kings 19 (Elijah's depression), and Philippians 4:6-7 to illuminate God's heart for those suffering from mental and emotional distress.

3. Practical Resources

Parents left with a comprehensive resource guide including:

• Warning signs of depression and anxiety in teenagers
• Conversation starters for discussing mental health with teens
• Local Christian counselors specializing in adolescent care
• Recommended books, podcasts, and support groups
• Guidelines for when to seek professional intervention
• Techniques for creating mentally healthy home environments

4. Prayer and Community Support

The event concluded with small group prayer, where parents could share specific concerns and receive support from others walking similar paths. This powerful time reminded everyone that no parent needs to face these challenges alone.

"There's something profoundly healing about bringing our parenting struggles into the light of community," one mother shared afterward. "I came feeling isolated and left feeling surrounded by support."

Expert Insights from Dr. Dan Suzuki

A highlight of the morning was an in-depth interview with Dr. Dan Suzuki, a distinguished psychiatrist and long-time member of our congregation. Dr. Suzuki brings exceptional credentials to this conversation, having practiced psychiatry for 33 years with San Marino Psychiatric Associates. His education includes degrees from Stanford University and Northwestern University Medical School, and he completed his Psychiatry Residency at UCLA.

Currently serving as the Medical Director of Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Suzuki offered invaluable professional insights while speaking from his perspective as a Christian professional.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Suzuki's Interview

During his conversation with Pastor Matt, Dr. Suzuki addressed several crucial topics:

On recognizing the difference between normal teen moodiness and clinical concerns:"Parents should watch for persistent changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, and dramatic shifts in academic performance. Duration and intensity matter—two weeks of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning suggests it's time to consult with a professional."

On the integration of faith and psychiatric care:"As Christians, we recognize that humans are integrated beings—spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental. Just as we wouldn't hesitate to set a broken bone, we shouldn't hesitate to address chemical imbalances or thought patterns that are causing our children suffering."

On practical first steps for concerned parents:"Start by creating safe spaces for honest conversation without judgment. Many teens don't open up because they fear disappointing their parents or receiving simplified spiritual answers to complex struggles. Listen more than you speak, validate their feelings, and resist the urge to immediately solve or dismiss their concerns."

On how the church community can support struggling teens:"The church should be the last place where mental health is stigmatized and the first place where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable about their struggles. Youth leaders can be trained to recognize warning signs, and the church can model that seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness."

Taking Action: Next Steps for Parents

As Pastor Matt concluded the event, he emphasized that equipping isn't just about information—it's about implementation. He encouraged parents to take two specific actions in the coming week:

1. Create a device-free dinner time where meaningful conversation can happen
2. Schedule one-on-one time with your teenager in a setting where they feel comfortable talking

A Community of Hope

As we navigate this mental health crisis together, we're reminded that God's promise in Isaiah 41:10 applies not just to us as individuals, but to our parenting journey as well: "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."

No parent needs to walk this road alone. Our church family stands ready to support, equip, and pray with you as you guide your teenagers through these challenging years.

If you're concerned about your teenager's mental health and need immediate support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.