The Northeastern Minnesota Synod Mental Health Discussion Guide Kits are tools to help start mental health conversations with youth and adults in your congregation. They are not therapy, and they are not a therapeutic tool. They are an education tool to introduce topics surrounding mental health in order to build trust and community so stigma surrounding mental health conditions can be broken down. Through scripture and rituals youth have the opportunity to share, listen, learn and hear a message of hope, love and God's presence with them no matter what they are experiencing.
Before You BeginOverview:
It is expected facilitators read through the Overview before leading these sessions. Discussion Guide Kit Supplies and Set Up Discussion Guide Kits were given to each NE MN Synod Congregation at the 2019 NE MN Synod Assembly. If you would like to create your own, you can purchase items at the links below or local stores. Discussion GuidesLinks in PDF's are active, even though they are not highlighted.
Complete Discussion Guides: Complete Discussion Guide Includes Overview and all six sessions. Individual Sessions: Overview It is expected facilitators read through the Overview before leading these sessions. Mental Wellbeing Handout: Five Ways to Wellbeing Bible Doodle Page: Mental Wellbeing Handout: Finger Labyrinth Anxiety Handout: The Difference Between a Disorder and a Feeling Bible Doodle Page: Anxiety Depression Bible Doodle Page: Depression Images for Gathering Activity Suicide Prevention Video: How to Help Someone in Crisis Handout: Tips for Teens on How to Prevent Suicide (Infographic on right side) Bible Doodle Page: Suicide Prevention Suicide Response Bible Doodle Page: Suicide Response Grief Video: How Do You Help a Grieving Friend Handout: 8 Things To Do When Grief Gets Intense Bible Doodle Page: Grief |
Tips for Adult Facilitators
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Funding for the NE MN Synod Mental Health Discussion Guides and Kits was provided through a generous grant from the Disability Ministries, made possible through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. Permission is given to use these materials in your local context as long as no profit is made from its use. Proper credit must be give to all sources.
Disclaimer:
The NE MN Synod Youth Ministry & Mental Health Initiative Discussion Guides, Workshops, Podcasts and other resources are informative resource materials. They are intended as a first step for some very important discussions. Mental health is a complex field. The information provided here is not complete and does not cover all issues related to mental health. These materials should never replace the advice of a skilled mental health professional informed by detailed and specific discussions. Over time, website links and articles may become outdated as new research and theories emerge. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health provider for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment if you suspect you or someone you know has a mental illness or mental health condition. If you, or someone you know, are in crisis, please call 911 immediately. If you are having suicidal or injurious thoughts, call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) to talk with a trained counselor.
The NE MN Synod Youth Ministry & Mental Health Initiative Discussion Guides, Workshops, Podcasts and other resources are informative resource materials. They are intended as a first step for some very important discussions. Mental health is a complex field. The information provided here is not complete and does not cover all issues related to mental health. These materials should never replace the advice of a skilled mental health professional informed by detailed and specific discussions. Over time, website links and articles may become outdated as new research and theories emerge. Always seek the advice of a mental health professional or other qualified health provider for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment if you suspect you or someone you know has a mental illness or mental health condition. If you, or someone you know, are in crisis, please call 911 immediately. If you are having suicidal or injurious thoughts, call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) to talk with a trained counselor.