Resource: There are many resources available and sometimes it may feel like an overwhelming amount. My goal is to provide reviews on a regular basis of some of these resources. My blogs will occur on the 7th, 17th and 27th of each month, with a resource blog on the 27th.
   For today, I will highlight books from Elizabeth George, an American author and Christian speaker from Seattle, Washington. She has written over 80 books and many of these targeted for young ladies. Some of those I have used for Girls Groups are “A Young Woman after God’s Own Heart”, “A Girl after God’s Own Heart”, “A Girl’s Guide to Discovering Her Bible”, A Girls’ Guide to Making Really Good Choices”, and I have just ordered “A Girl’s Guide to Prayer”.
   In the book, “A Girl’s Guide to Making Really Good Choices,” Elizabeth George gives advice on developing confidence, desiring God’s will and improving relationships. The book is 208 pages and gives room to write responses while working through the book.  One of the things I like best about these books is being able to make practical applications from the information and challenges given.
   “A Girl’s Guide to Discovering Her Bible” can be used for girls age 10-16, as you encourage young ladies to put their hope and trust in the truths of the Bible. Facts are included about where the Bible came from and the importance of learning and following these truths. This book kept my Middle and High School group of inner city girls interested and focused as we were able to talk through the inviting pages.
   These books by Elizabeth George can be ordered in many places, one of my favorite is through Christian Book Distributors (Christianbook.com) where you can find these books for as low as $5.99. Her husband, Jim George, has written several complimentary books for guys, such as “A Young Man’s Guide to Making Right Choices”, and “A Young Man After God’s Own Heart”.
    Having good resources is very important in teaching and learning in a focused and interesting way. I am very appreciative of Elizabeth George who is able to provide books which are written in a clear and positive manner. We are blessed to have these available for use in small groups or in the home with your children.  II Timothy 2:15 "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” #blessedgirlteenconference
    Blessings to you,
    Jeri

     As I was writing last week about Mental Health in Teens I realized that there was a lot to mention. In part 1, I listed many hotlines available as well as warning signs. Those are valuable resources to have and to review on a regular basis. On a different level is looking at the current Mental Health in the teens you are personally involved with, and how Youth workers and parents can give them support, especially spiritually. (Please check out the two Bible apps listed at end of blog.)
    Parents, as their primary supporters, have more opportunities to interact with their adolescents and of course more influence and love to give. Parenting is of course a complex responsibility and includes many emotions and avenues. Scripture tells us to “Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 We also see in Ephesians 6 that Parents are not to “exasperate” their children. These two verses specifically give instruction to parents. Many other verses tell us how to interact in a godly way with others, which does include our children; expressing love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Youth Leaders, or anyone who is in a modeling role for young people, are to take that role seriously and recognize the importance of letting Christ’s love shine through to others. Keep in mind that the family is the primary support group, yet you are the Shepherd for your flock of students. As a Shepherd looks after the needs of the sheep, you have taken on the responsibility of praying, teaching, sharing and demonstrating God’s love to those you meet with. Youth leaders are to assist Parents also (another blog….) 
      From the National Center for Poverty:  “Existing mental health problems become increasingly complex and intense as children transition into adolescence. Untreated mental health problems among adolescents often result in negative outcomes. Mental health problems may lead to poor school performance, school dropout, strained family relationships, involvement with the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, substance abuse, and engaging in risky sexual behaviors.”
     In a group setting, you have an opportunity to see the students’ interactions with others their age, and can recognize some of the behaviors outside of the norm. With this perspective, if you  identify any behaviors or statements as being troubling, follow-up is part of your responsibility. This can include talking one-on-one with the teen to confirm struggles and to give them emotional support. Resources can be suggested and when necessary, speaking with their parents or providing additional resources.
      Here are two scriptures which will help Teens in their emotional and spiritual health; of course there are many throughout the Bible that you can use and share. Matthew 11:28 “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at  heart and you will find rest for your souls.”   Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
       As Christians we have access to the power and peace of Jesus. Reading His word and praying in His name gives us a different perspective, a holy perspective which allows us to be calm in the middle of the storm. This same peace is available to our teens; we can show them the way and remind them to slow down, focus on the positive elements around them and in Jesus. You can even give them a challenge; read a passage a day or a Psalm a day, or listen to the Bible audibly on their phone. Two widely used scripture phone apps available are YouVersion and BibleGateway. YouVersion has many topical studies that you can suggest to teens, or you can even do one at the same and follow up with a discussion or text. Let them know you are praying for them and pray with them as you are able. Teens want to know they have a safe place to share their feelings and still be accepted. They may be slow to respond openly, but over time, as their trust in you develops, they will feel safer and permit you to ask harder and deeper questions. Pray for opportunities and wait for the door to open, be willing to wait on God’s timing.
Blessings, 
  Jeri
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Even youths grow tired and weary…  Isaiah 40:30-31 tells us that “Youth may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” Mental Health is not a new problem, nor is it something to be ashamed of. We do need to take steps to recognize it and be ready to support others, and especially our youth, who are going through a time of despair.
Many reports have come out this past year about Teens and their Mental Health. Unfortunately this is not a new problem, however there has been a significant rise in the number of instances. “Suicide rates have doubled, calls to Help Hotlines have dramatically increased. Teens, forced into isolation, have taken a step back in being in a social environment. For some this is a welcome state in their mind, however it has magnified their social detriment…we are at a disadvantage when we try to communicate over a text or email, even a phone call.” We are missing large parts of communication such as tone of voice, eye contact, body language and touch. Miscommunication happens more frequently and it is difficult to resolve conflict in a healthy manner.
One important thing to realize is that talking works!  It is true yet it is hard to explain; we were made for relationships and fellowship. God loves us and tells us to share our burdens with each other. He knows we need relationships with others and He gives us the Holy Spirit to comfort us. We are also told that Jesus is our Friend and He intercedes for us. Romans 8:34 states:  “Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” Paul, the writer of Romans, goes on to say “Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?.. No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.”
How can we as leaders, or parents, identify and increase effective communication and positive mental health in Teens? Recognizing warning signs, such as those given to us by the National Institute of Health (NIH), is beneficial. Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline. (suicidepreventionlifeline.org) 800-273-8255
·         Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves;
·         Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
·         Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
·         Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
·         Talking about being a burden to others
·         Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
·         Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
·         Sleeping too little or too much
·         Withdrawing or isolating themselves
·         Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
·         Extreme mood swings
Listed below are Hotline numbers to have on hand for situations that may arise. It is important to refer if warning signs are indicated and to take seriously threats of suicide or other methods of self-harm.
¨ National Runaway Safeline 800-786-2929
¨ Rape & Sexual Assault  800-656-4673
¨ National Sex Traffiking Hotline 888-3737-888
¨ Child Abuse Hotline 800-422-4453
¨ Mental Health Support 800-985-5990 or TEXT  TalkWithUs to 66746
¨ Crisis Text Line 741-741 TEXT Listen                       
 Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255 or 911 911911
In 2018, there were 48,344 recorded suicides, up from 42,773 in 2014, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). On average, adjusted for age, the annual U.S. suicide rate increased 24% between 1999 and 2014, from 10.5 to 13.0 suicides per 100,000 people, the highest rate recorded in 28 years.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24. Sometimes your struggle can be underestimated because of your age. But we hear you, and help is available. Any time that a kid makes a statement to the effect of, 'I don't think that people care if I die,' or 'I think people would be better off if I weren't around,' you've got to take it seriously," said Singer, an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. He also said, if a young person withdraws from usual activities or is bullied on social media, it shouldn't be ignored. Singer added that what this new report doesn't reflect is a very large increase in suicidal thoughts among youth this year, largely due to the coronavirus pandemic and a souring economy. "But it is also important to know that there's not a direct relationship between an increase in suicidal thoughts and a corresponding increase in suicide deaths," he said.
The important part is relationship. Take the time to have a relationship with your teen in your home, in your church in your extended family or in your neighborhood. Each one struggles to know they are loved and accepted. Remind them of God’s deep love and show them they are accepted by listening to them without condemning them. Be aware of concerning areas and proceed gently when needed to guide them towards help from a trusted adult, beginning with their parent or Caregiver. When appropriate show them truths from God’s word and when appropriate give them the available hotline numbers. Pray for wisdom and discernment; shine the light of Jesus.