Wholly Renewed Minds
 Rationale

According to the World Health Organization (WHO): “One in six people are aged 10-19 years. Adolescence is a unique and formative time. Physical, emotional and social changes, including exposure to poverty, abuse, or violence, can make adolescents vulnerable to mental health problems. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socio-emotional learning and psychological well-being, and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well-being during adolescence and adulthood. Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 7 (14%) 10-19 year-olds experience mental health conditions, yet these remain largely unrecognized and untreated. Adolescents with mental health conditions are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion, discrimination, stigma (affecting readiness to seek help), educational difficulties, risk-taking behaviors, physical ill-health and human rights violations” (WHO, 2023).

These factors also increase the risk for suicide.  Thankfully, we know the common warning signs, evidenced-based and Christ-centered interventions that can help reduce risk of suicide, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Research has also shown that talking about mental health and/or suicide does not increase the risk for suicide risk, which is a common misconception (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2023).  

The Pennsylvania Youth Survey 2021 confirms that, “Less than half of the adolescents who need mental health care receive treatment. A social stigma continues to surround mental health disorders, and  mental health care is frequently difficult to access. Initially identifying a mental health disorder is also challenging—issues are often first identified at school. Researchers have documented a number of disparities in access[ing mental health services]…”.  

We believe that providing in-school solutions to mental health and psycho-education needs can decrease many barriers to receiving the care needed at a significant time in a child’s life.  It can also increase the confidence in the school staff’s ability to respond appropriately to mental health- related needs of their students.