Youth Mental Health: Belonging and Hope in an Age of Loneliness

Presented by McGrath Institute for Church Life

Monday, December 18, 2023 12:00 pm EST

In 2021, the US Surgeon General issued an advisory on the crisis of mental health among American youth. Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other forms of mental illness among children and teens have left youth ministers, educators, and parents asking how best to support young people. Drawing on their respective experiences in pastoral and psychological care, our speakers will address how to understand youth mental health through a more integrated lens, engaging the wisdom of both faith and science. Our speakers will address practical questions of how youth ministers, Catholic school administrators and educators, and each one of us can draw on the resources of faith and science to support children and teens living with mental illness. Moderated by Beth Hlabse ’11, M.S., LMHCA, program director of the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at the McGrath Institute for Church Life. Join us on Join us Monday, December 18, 2023.

Speakers:
Ryan Dainty, M.Div., Dean of Student Formation at Marian High School; Pat Millea, speaker, musician, and former parish youth minister; Kenna Millea, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist; Maribel Rodriguez Laguna, M.A., Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor.

For more information visit McGrath Institute for Church Life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. This webinar discussed the different factors that contribute to youth mental health, both positively and negatively. How might I begin a conversation with a teen in my life about some of these contributing factors to their mental health?

2. How has this webinar changed or deepened my understanding of the challenges for youth mental health?

3. What are a few concrete steps I can take to support the mental health of children/teens in my community/workplace/family?