Sundays • 9AM (Entrance I)
Leadership Opportunities
Resources
- XXX Church
- Unplugging Pornography
- Every Man’s Battle
- Raising a Modern Day Knight
- Covenant Eyes eBook
- Protect Young Eyes
- Mental Health Conversational Tips
- Resources from Resolution (part of Josh McDowell Ministry)
- Issues relating to Relationships, Porn, Mental Health & Trauma
- Mental Health Conversational Tips
If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health emergency, please
dial 911 immediately. For other care concerns, please call 616-842-4357
or text HELLO to 741-741
Read more at: https://www.centralholland.org/care
At Central, we care deeply for those who are navigating the challenges
that surround mental health and the conversations that often surface in
response to these challenges. Below are some helpful tips that we hope
can guide you in your conversations with your students who are
experiencing their own challenges or navigating a tragic loss of a loved
one who lost their battle with mental health.
Here are a few tips that can help when talking to your kids:
What to say:
1. Be clear but try to stay away from details. If your children know
someone who lost their battle with mental health (notice a certain word
I’m choosing not to use) - tell them clearly and directly but don’t
focus on method (how they did it). If you use too many words or are
unclear - it’s possible they might miss what you’re saying all together.
Try thinking about a phrase like, “Last night _______ lost their battle
to mental health, they are gone now. I’m so sorry.” Josh used the word
depression, but neither of these boys were showing the traditional signs
of depression. But let’s be careful not to project on to these scenarios
something we do not know for certain. Pastor Steve believes isolation
and maybe shame and guilt could be major contributors. He is also
hearing students talk about the overwhelming amount of change
(extracurriculars being canceled, transition to virtual learning, etc.)
and the weariness they are experiencing.
2. Answer questions they ask (avoid trying to answer questions you
have). Let your child lead the conversation. You are probably hurting
and confused too, but be careful that you don’t insert your thoughts in
their minds. They are likely in shock and will be for days/weeks
possibly months.
What to do:
1. Be present and available. Sit with them. Hold them. Listen to
them.
2. Be emotionally real with them. You don’t have to be tough for your
kid(s). They need you to help them feel (if it’s a close friend their
feelings are a jumbled mess).
3. Pray with them. Pray for their friend’s family. Even if you’re not a
person of faith - prayer helps.
4. Give them space if they ask. Everyone processes with grief
differently.
5. Make sure they eat. In stress and pain - some kids stop eating. They
need calories. Buy their favorite snacks and foods - I highly recommend
chocolate milk and chocolate ice cream for teenagers.
6. Avoid jumping to conclusions. It’s devastating and your mind goes to
the worst about what could happen to your child or the next child. It’s
not helpful and likely not the case. Stay engaged but don’t go into high
alert.
7. Call a faith worker or counselor if you don’t know what to do next.
Local churches and counseling agencies have more experience with tough
conversations and if you as a parent are wrestling emotionally - REACH
OUT! You can only help your kids so far as you are healthy yourself.