Montgomery church addresses youth mental health disparities through summit

Mental Health Disparities in Youth: A Report on the Southside Church of Christ Youth Summit

Introduction

Mental health disparities in youth have become an elevated concern in Montgomery. Social media and peer pressure have been linked to depression, anxiety, violence, suicidal thoughts, and bullying in teens.

The Southside Church of Christ Youth Summit

The Southside Church of Christ recently hosted its annual Youth Summit, which aimed to address the mental health challenges faced by teenagers. The summit focused on teaching mindfulness skills, such as making smart decisions, navigating healthy relationships, and resolving conflicts. Additionally, it provided a safe space for teenagers to express themselves.

Merging Faith and Mental Health

Senior Minister Jonathan Givens highlighted the importance of merging faith and mental health, particularly in Black communities where this topic is often considered taboo. Givens acknowledged that many children within the community are dealing with mental health issues, but the church has been silent on the matter. He emphasized the need for the church to address these specific issues.

Expert Guidance

Experts who regularly work with children were present at the summit to educate participants on the significance of their decisions and how these decisions can shape their lives. Attorney Jasmine Crimiel emphasized that seemingly small decisions can have far-reaching consequences, such as escalating into serious offenses like felony murder.

Encouraging Support

Adults who facilitated discussions with the teenagers emphasized the importance of seeking both spiritual guidance and professional help. They encouraged the participants to understand that it is acceptable to have both Jesus and a therapist in their lives. The teenagers were urged to think before acting, considering the potential consequences of their actions.

Conclusion

The Southside Church of Christ Youth Summit successfully addressed mental health disparities in youth by providing education, support, and a safe space for teenagers to express themselves. By merging faith and mental health, the summit aimed to break the silence surrounding mental health issues in Black communities. The emphasis on making smart decisions and seeking professional help aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 4: Quality Education.

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Copyright

Copyright 2024 WSFA. All rights reserved.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs that are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
– SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– SDG 4: Quality Education
– SDG 5: Gender Equality
– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under the identified SDGs are:
– Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
– Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture’s contribution to sustainable development.
– Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
– Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or chronic respiratory disease.
– Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate.
– Indicator 3.4.3: Proportion of the population with depression or anxiety disorder.
– Indicator 4.7.1: Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education for sustainable development are mainstreamed in (a) national education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d) student assessment.
– Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.
– Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and disability.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by collecting relevant data and analyzing the results.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators