Mental Health Awareness for Youth Workers
You Are Not a Counselor — But You Are an Adult Who Spends Time with Teenagers
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, activities, or church.
- Mood changes: Sudden irritability, sadness, or anger that lasts more than a week.
- Changes in behavior: Declining grades, skipping activities, changes in sleep or eating.
- Talk of hopelessness: “Nothing matters,” “Everyone would be better off without me.”
- Self-harm: Unexplained cuts, burns, or bruises.
- Substance use: Smell of alcohol or marijuana, bloodshot eyes.
- Giving away possessions: Especially if combined with other warning signs.
What to Say
- “I have noticed you seem different lately. I care about you. Is everything okay?”
- “You matter to me and to this group.”
- “I am not a counselor, but I want to help you find someone to talk to.”
- “You do not have to go through this alone.”
What NOT to Say
- “Just pray about it.” (Prayer is important, but this can minimize real pain.)
- “Other people have it worse.” (This invalidates their feelings.)
- “You are just being dramatic.” (Never dismiss a teenager’s emotions.)
- “Snap out of it.” (Mental health struggles are not a choice.)
li>”What happens in this group stays in this group.” (If someone is in danger, confidentiality has limits.)
When to Get Help
Get help immediately if a student talks about suicide or has a plan to hurt themselves.
Call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or 911 if there is an immediate threat.
Emergency Resources
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (available 24/7)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- NAMI: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Your local emergency room: For immediate safety concerns
How to Take Care of Yourself
- Set boundaries. You are not responsible for fixing every problem.
- Talk to someone — your pastor, a friend, a counselor.
- Pray. Bring your burdens to God.
- Take breaks. It is okay to step back when you need to.
Scripture Connection
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)