The NE MN Synod Youth Ministry & Mental Health Initiative provides resources and education on mental health so we might begin to break the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and equip young people and leaders with resources within a faith context. There are five primary focus areas: mental wellbeing, anxiety, depression, suicide, and grief.

The Initiative includes:
 
Mental Health Discussion Guides and Kits:
Discussion guides to help young people learn about and have conversations on mental health conditions, ask questions, and give tools and resources…all within a faith context.
 
Workshops Fall 2019:
Depression & Anxiety: September 28 (Duluth), October 1 (Brainerd)
Suicide & Grief: October 12 (Brainerd), October 29 (Duluth)
 
Podcasts:
For ministry leaders and parents. Available Fall 2019 
 
Funding for the NE MN Synod Youth Ministry & Mental Health Initiative is provided through a generous grant from Disability Ministries, made possible through Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. 

NEED HELP?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line: www.crisistextline.org
Text HOME to 741741 for free,
​24/7 crisis support in the US.

MN Farm & Rural Help Line: 
833-600-2670 x 1
Free, confidential help for stress, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Available 24/7.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Local Events
Sponsored by Resource Providers and Organizations
Events are ordered by date. Click on the bold blue link at the top of each event for more information. If you have local events you would like posted, please contact Catherine Anderson.

​Free Webinar: Responding to the Youth Suicide Crisis
September 5, 2019
1-2:30 p.m. CDT
Register Here

​Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 34 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology says depression rates among children ages 14 to 17 increased by more than 60% between 2009 and 2017.
 
Join us in stopping this deadly trend. Maureen Underwood—licensed clinical social worker, certified group psychotherapist, and nationally recognized expert on youth suicide prevention—will be leading a free webinar on this critical issue. You'll learn:
  • How to effectively and sensitively talk about suicide
  • How to develop a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy
  • About the research behind Underwood's proven Hazelden Lifelines® curricula
   

HELPFUL LINKS

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Find a local NAMI Affiliate
Essentia Grief Support Services
​Essentia Behavioral and Mental Health Services
Amberwing
Hazelden Betty Ford
Trevor Project
Mental Health Ministries
SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voice of Education
Suicide Prevention Resource Center

There are numerous mental health resources and providers available. This list curates links of resources and providers within the NE MN Synod, national mental health organizations, and organizations that have partnered with the NE MN Synod Youth Ministry and Mental Health Initiative. You can also find additional links and resources within the NE MN Synod Mental Health Discussion Guides.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Youth Ministry and Mental Health Event Resources (October 2018)