"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
I'm not a parent, but as a teacher-turned-author, I've worked with 1,500 students over the last five years. Sometimes, helping them through their struggles felt like pulling teeth or giving birth. I don't want to know what either of those experiences feels like, but I know they're unpleasant.
Does helping our kids with anxiety and depression always have to feel this way? I don't think so! While helping teens and young adults with mental health issues can be challenging, there are three tools I believe we can use to better bear one another's burdens. (And it doesn't include hauling a heavyweight backpack filled with bricks along the way.)
In Galatians 6:2, we are called to “bear one another’s burdens.” These words are written by Paul in his address to the Christian churches in Galatia. Brothers and sisters in Christ, believers, are encouraged to help each other through difficult times, fostering a sense of unity and compassion.
Supporting our kids means doing the same. Not only should we uplift them, but we should help them know they're not alone in their struggles. We should help them find peace and balance in their emotions, and rely on Christ through the process. Here are three practical steps to foster open communication:
1. Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their feelings. Listen actively to understand their experiences. Remember, most of us listen to respond when what we need to do is listen to hear. Open dialogue means thinking before we speak and empathizing with their thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Your child won't want to talk to you if you're dismissive or act like their problems aren't real!
2. Seek Professional Help: While not all children, teens, or young adults who suffer from anxiety or depression will need professional clinical help, some very well may. There's a huge difference between a child facing typical anxiety as opposed to panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder. You can learn to know the difference by becoming informed, talking to a school counselor or therapist, or talking with your child's medical doctor.
Normalize seeking professional help as a sign of strength. When worries or mood struggles persist, help and encourage them to seek counseling. I recommend getting recommendations and referrals and researching Psychology Today.
3. Teach Coping Skills: While many coping skills are taught in therapy, you can integrate simple practices like deep breathing and journaling into daily routines. These skills can help your child process their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms. And it also helps you as a parent or caregiver, too! I've never refused the time or opportunity to breathe deeply and realign my feelings.
One of my favorite coping skills includes using a feelings wheel. Children can struggle to identify what they're feeling, so using this chart can encourage them to name the emotion, process it, and then share it with you and the Lord.
During my fifth year of teaching, I learned that our role in supporting children and teen's mental health is vital. A student approached me with some tough questions regarding faith and mental health. Instead of offering generic advice, we explored these practical steps together. I shared my story and reminded them that spiritual disciplines are essential but so are actionable tools.
One of the best ways to help kids, teens, and young adults open up and heal is to share your experiences. Why? Because it models vulnerability.
There were many times students came and talked to me because I openly shared what I was experiencing with the class. I wasn't ashamed to share who I was and what I was going through. And you shouldn't be either. If you can do this with your child, it can help them feel less alone and more willing to open up.
Let's pray:
Dear God,
I pray for every parent, caregiver, grandparent, teacher, or child who might be reading this post today. I hope that these three tools will help them not only reduce anxiety and depression in their children but also help them feel less alone. We know that Christians aren't immune to these struggles, but living in a fallen world, we know that we may very well face them. Please equip, encourage, and strengthen them as they learn to bear one another's burdens, and let them know that you're walking with them through the journey. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Agape, Amber
Photo Credit: ©Juliana Libermann/Unsplash
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington, Andrea Bocelli, Reba McEntire, Mark Wahlberg, Tony Dungy, and Matthew McConaughey—what do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their stories of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Originally published Thursday, 14 November 2024.
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