Working with youth and young kids is a huge privilege as well as an increasingly challenging task. Pastors and children's ministry leaders have a lot on their plates these days, and many feel ill-equipped to effectively address the needs of the young people they minister to, particularly in the area of mental health. Mental health challenges affect everyone, and young people are hardly exempt. According to Canada's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: 70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.1 Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance [...]

The Canadian Mental Health Association is observing Mental Health Week in Saskatchewan. The subject of mental health is tough but timely, and likely one you've already heard much about or have direct experience with. With all the helpful and informative initiatives encouraging us to speak openly about our struggles and seek support, the reality is, there is still just so much struggle. And, unfortunately, it is not going away anytime soon. It's also worth noting that Christ-followers are not immune or exempt from depression, anxiety, worry, or any other mental or emotional health issues either. [...]