A mentor is a trusted advisor experienced in certain areas of interest to a mentee. Mentors have the fundamental resources and qualifications to help their inexperienced mentees achieve short- or long-term goals. In a strong mentorship relationship, a mentor equips, supports, and guides their mentee. Ideally, the mentee gets closer to a path that will challenge, encourage, support, and mold the mentee into becoming the best version of themselves.

A mentor can be used in a professional or personal setting tailored to the needs of the mentee. Although it may seem similar, a mentor is not a therapist or a problem solver. Instead, a mentor is a confidant who listens and advocates for the mentee throughout their professional career or personal life. As a mentor, you gain personal satisfaction from supporting the individual, developing and refining your leadership skills, diversifying your area of interest, increasing networking opportunities, and increasing productivity. 

Proverbs 11:25: A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Mentor Recruitment 

The need for and importance of mentorship became more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the shutdown, many adolescents unfortunately suffered academically and mentally. The American Rescue Plan of 2021 allocated billions of dollars to help schools provide tutoring, summer learning, and enrichment program services. In addition, AmeriCorps received funds for projects to recruit mentors and student success coaches. The goal is to connect mentees to mentors who can help prepare their mentees in academia, the workforce, or other industries for their character development and success.

There are many organizations that invest in recruiting members of the community to participate in making the workplace more equitable and inclusive. To make this happen, one should consider investing their time and resources in helping those in need of guidance. If you or someone you know are interested in making an impact on your community and would like to explore the various opportunities to become a mentor, please visit americorps.gov/serve  and partnershipstudentsuccess.org. 

Proverbs 27:17: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 

Types of Mentoring Opportunities 

There are different types of mentorship. To name a few, there is one-on-one, peer, distance/virtual, and group mentoring. One-on-one mentoring is the traditional model where there is one mentor and one mentee. Peer mentoring involves both the mentor and mentee being part of the same organization with the goal to develop skills and share experiences and expertise necessary for the mentee’s success in the targeted program. Virtual/distance mentoring gives the mentee the opportunity to receive support and networking opportunities where it is not readily available to them at their current location.

As a mentor, I can testify to how important it is to expand your skills to those who are unable to receive mentorship in their physical locations. I have had the pleasure of mentoring youths in foster care and underserved areas in the states of Georgia and Tennessee. It is rewarding to see the professional and character growth of your mentee throughout their development. Lastly, group mentoring involves one mentor and several mentees working together to reach short term goals. It is a great way to build and improve teamwork and communication skills. Establishing a mentor-mentee relationship is pivotal for all age groups in any area of interest.

Does the Bible Support Mentorship?

Romans 15:14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.

There are many scriptural references and passages in the Bible that provide examples of multiple mentoring relationships. We can explore the importance of leadership and the qualities of a good mentor throughout the bible.

• Moses mentored Joshua, who eventually led the Israelites into the land of Cannon.
• Elizabeth mentored Mary after learning she was pregnant with Jesus.
• Barnabas mentored Paul, and Paul became a great leader, writing many books of the New Testament.

The ultimate spiritual mentor is Jesus Christ. Jesus mentored the 12 disciples, showing them how to live and love. He commanded them to preach and teach the gospel to everyone around the world. In the Bible, mentoring created opportunities for disciples to be challenged, which catapulted them into positions to mentor other Christians. I encourage you to take some time to learn how you can be a blessing to members of your community. Please visit our resource page for more information. 

More on the Blog…

The post Happy National Mentoring Month: Raising Awareness on the Importance of Mentorship appeared first on CMHI.

When I think about trauma biblically, the first thing that comes into mind is the book of Exodus. The book of Exodus records the Hebrews oppression during the mid-25th century B.C. The book describes a group of people who were once free but have now been enslaved in Egypt for 430 years. The decedents of Jacob and Joseph came to Egypt and were fruitful and very numerus which caused the new king of Egypt to fear the Israelites. The Egyptians ruthlessly forced the Hebrews into slavery. In addition, the King ordered the killing of their first-born sons. 

As the Egyptians faced oppression, they planned for their escape through the Red Sea with Moses and with the authority of God. I cannot imagine the mental state of a group who experienced and witnessed the genocide and oppression of their people. The Hebrews must have experienced moments of fear, anxiety, anger and feeling of despair, defeat, and sadness over the traumatic events. Furthermore, the Exodus records the miraculous events that lead to their exit out of Egypt. God’s hand in providing deliverance for the Hebrews was all for his glory. 

Exodus 3:14 NIV: God said to Moses “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.”

Although the Hebrews experienced trauma in Egypt and in the wilderness, God taught the Hebrews that he is their provider and that he will never let the righteous be forsaken. It took the Hebrews 40 years to get to the land of Canaan, when it should have taken them about 11 days. God delayed, delivered, and developed the Hebrews to build their faith and trust in him. 

What is trauma? PTSD?

According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is an emotional response to a devastating event experienced either indirectly or directly. Everyone copes differently from a traumatic event. For some, it affects their ability to function and negatively impacts their lives. Recurrent and extreme emotional distress that occurs within 1 month following a traumatic event is called acute stress disorder (ASD). If it occurs for 1 month or more following a traumatic even it is called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The risk factors for developing PTSD include survival of sexual abuse, captivity, war combat, genocide, childhood abuse, divorce and losing a job. In addition, hearing about the event or being repeatedly exposed to details about an event can predispose someone into developing PTSD. Mental health disorders such as mood or anxiety disorders are also risk factors. 

The clinical criteria for PTSD are listed below: One must have, 

1. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious violence either directly, indirectly or as a witness. 
2. Presence of intrusion or reexperience symptoms associated with the traumatic event. 
3. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event.
4. Negative alteration in cognition and mood associated with the traumatic event.
5. Reactivity/Hyperarousal: Hypervigilance, irritable behaviors, poor concentration, easily startled and difficulty sleeping.

If these symptoms seem like something you’re exprience, you can watch this video from our recent World Mental Health Day event to learn different strategies to find a Christian psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist.

Treatment for PTSD

There are both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment for PTSD. Pharmacologic therapy includes selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and prazosin. Nonpharmacologic therapy treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Cognitive behavioral therapy helps patients identify and reorganize negative thought patterns and develop coping mechanism. EMDR helps to reduce the frequency of intrusive memories. 

If you or someone you know are suffering from traumatic events or PTSD, please visit our resource page to find resources to help.

The post Overcoming Trauma and PTSD: Examples of Trauma in the Bible appeared first on CMHI.

Before we begin to discuss the clinical definition of major depressive disorder, it is important to note that depression is not the same as sadness or loneliness. On one hand, feeling sad for a short period of time after a disappointment is likely a normal human response. Onthe other hand, think of depression symptoms as a very long period of sadness that significantly affects a person’s life.  

Major depressive disorder  

In the past month, have you had little to no interest in activities? Have you been feeling hopeless? Major depressive disorder is a mood disorder defined as having two weeks of 5 out of 9 of the following symptoms present most of the day or nearly every day: 

• Insomnia or Hypersomnia 
• Recurrent thought of death or suicidal thoughts 
• Loss of pleasure or interest 
• Excessive or inappropriate guilt, or feelings of worthlessness 
• Fatigue or loss of energy 
• Poor concentration 
• Appetite change resulting in greater than 5% weight change in 1 month 
• Retardation or agitation 

According to national network of depression centers, suicide is the second leading cause death for ages 15-44. If you or anyone you know are in a crisis, please call 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Please visit our blog post “Suicide in the Bible: Elijah the prophet with suicidal thoughts.”  

Additional depressive disorders 

1. Persistent depressive disorder: depressed mood more days than not for at least 2 years.  
2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Having one or more symptoms of depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, lability in most menstrual cycles during the past year. Present during the final week, improved within a few days after the onset of menses and becomes minimal or absent in the week post menses. Appetite or sleep change can be present as well as loss of interest, difficulty concentrating and easily fatigued.  
3. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood: Depressive symptoms that develop within 3 months of a stressor. Symptoms do not persist for more than 6 moths after the stressor have resolved.  

Who is at risk of depression?  

According to research studies, genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors contribute to depression. Depression can also be caused by or is secondary to medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson disease, drug use or medications and vitamin deficiencies. To diagnose with a major depressive disorder, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and order special labs/blood tests to identify possible causes of mood disorders.  

Treatment of depression symptoms

According to the National Network of Depression Centers, two thirds of people with depression do not actively seek nor receive proper treatment However, 80% of those treated with depression show improvement within four to six weeks. One of the first line of treatments for major depressive disorder is psychotherapy. For example, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal therapies can be quite helpful. Medications are also first line treatments for depression. A variety of antidepressants are used to treat depression symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are most commonly known. These medications allow our brain to properly use chemicals that are responsible for mood and stress. The chemical is called serotonin. If there is no improvement with medication and psychotherapy, the most effective treatment called electroconvulsive therapy is used.  

Christians with major depressive disorders 

 Have you been diagnosed with depression or experience symptoms of depressed mood?  

 Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” 

Depression symptoms can occur at any age, and you should not feel ashamed. It is documented throughout the bible believers such as David, Elijah, Jonah, and Job, just to name a few, who experienced depression and/or suicidal thoughts. What is comforting about the stories written about the prominent figures is the persistent presence of God and the strength and victory received to defeat depression.

If you have some time today, please visit our blog post “Suicide in the Bible: Elijah the prophet with suicidal thoughts.” In addition, read the book of Psalms, Kings, Jonah or Job. Write down what stood out for you the most and what lessons you could incorporate in your life to get back to doing what you love. God has NOT forgotten about you. Life is difficult and there will be trials and tribulations. However, God has promised to never leave your side and will always be with you. You are not doing life alone. Do not give up!  

Jeremiah 29:11  “For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” 

Isaiah 41:10  “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”  

Are you looking for a bible app plan? Please visit our list of bible app plans on depression below! 

Check out our other blog posts to learn more about living a mentally healthy life as a Christian.

Visit our mental health resources tab for more information on therapy and how to find a therapist.

The post Depression Symptoms and How to Cope as a Christian appeared first on CMHI.

Bullying is a form of violence where an individual or group intentionally misuses their power over one or more persons. The aggressive behavior is repeated and inflicts physical and/or psychological harm. Bullying can occur in schools, online, at home, or in the workplace. The most common types of bullying, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are:

• Physical Bullying: hitting, kicking, pushing, hazing, harassment
• Verbal Bullying: teasing, name-calling, insulting
• Relationships/social: Spreading of rumors, forcing you into uncomfortable, humiliating situations
• Cyberbullying: sending threats or taunting messages on social media, email, or via text message to hurt you
• Damage to the property of the victim
• Workplace Bullying: repeated verbal or physical mistreatment by one or more employees 

Who is at risk? 

Youth can be at risk of either being a victim, perpetrator, or witness/bystander to bullying. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 high school students reported being bullied, and 1 in 6 high school students reported being cyberbullied in 2021. There are a few factors that contribute to children who are more likely to bully others. Family factors: The bully experiences violence and bullying at home and projects their emotions at school. There are also peer factors: The child seeks approval from peers or wants to elevate their status in their group, which leads to them seeking out a victim to belittle. Lastly, the school has not provided or addressed bullying properly, leading to repeated violent behaviors.

Bullying is not only limited to youth but can also affect adults in the workplace. According to the 2021 Workplace Bullying Institute U.S. workplace bullying survey, 30% of adult Americans are bullied at work, 76.3 million workers are affected, and 43% of remote workers are bullied. 

State anti-bullying laws and policies

There are no federal laws that address bullying directly however, in 2010, the U.S Department of Education created key components for individual state laws to address bullying. The components include the appropriate protocols and procedures for reporting and investigating bullying. To find your state’s anti-bullying policies, please click on the link https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/laws. 

What to do if you or someone you know is being bullied?

It should be in everyone’s best interest to learn the protocols to report violent behaviors in school or in the workplace. Whether you are a victim or witness, it is important to speak up and let an adult/ supervisor know what is happening. Do not blame yourself for the mistreatment; you did nothing wrong. Bullying is often a learned behavior and only reflects how the perpetrator feels about themselves. As a parent, educate your child on bullying and what to do if they are being bullied. If your child is a bully, consider seeking a therapist for your child to learn about healthy coping skills. In addition, you can alter/change the home environment or monitor a child’s use of technology. If you or someone you know has been affected by bullying, please visit our mental health resource section. 

How to deal with bullying?

God is your defender, and he sees you! Isaiah 54: 4-17. 

Dealing with adversity is not easy. It can leave one feeling worthless, defeated, or depressed. It is important to remember your identity in Christ. You belong to God, who has already defeated the enemy and has given us dominion. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Be proud and confident of who God created you to be and to whom you belong.

Joshua 1:9 states, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” God is not saying to feel strong but to be strong. This requires you to have faith and trust his word. Psalm 91: 7-10 says, “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold. And see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge. Even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee. Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”

God is your defender

We can learn how to deal with adversity and the stresses of this world by looking at Jesus’s ministry. Jesus was ridiculed, taunted, and ultimately crucified, and yet he did not repay evil with evil. Instead, Jesus prayed for his enemies. Luke 23:34 reads, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots.” Furthermore, sometimes God puts us in situations to strengthen us and prepare us for our next season. If we are to receive the blessings one must be prepared for what is attached to the blessing. I encourage you to read the book of Jeremiah. When Jeremiah questioned God about why he was under attack and why the wicked prosper, God answered in a way Jeremiah was not prepared to hear. “If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5)

God is preparing a way, and the battles that we face have a purpose! You are never alone; God is always with you. Jeremiah 1:19 says “And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.” 

It is important to find support, learn how to manage stress, and spend time doing what you enjoy! Please visit our mental health resource tab for Bible plan suggestions on bullying and explore other applications. 

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Be sure to check out our other blog posts to learn more about living a mentally healthy life as a Christian.

The post Does Bullying Take Place in the Church? appeared first on CMHI.

Signs I may need to see a therapist

In my experience, dealing with unexpected roadblocks and challenges in life presents many opportunities to reorganize and prioritize tasks. After all, balancing multiple roles is not negative until it consumes you to the point that you cannot cope. Before seeking therapy, I have always been able to communicate and express what I am going through with loved ones and relied on a community for emotional support. However, this approach does not always lead to impactful results, and I am left feeling helpless. Have you ever felt this way? What if you do not have a community? What happens if nothing gets better and you cannot cope on your own? According to the American Psychology Association, you should consider therapy when:

1. Thinking about the problem takes up about an hour of your time a day

2. Your quality of life is now reduced because of the problem

3. You have developed unhealthy coping practices, such as excessive alcohol or drug use.

4. You have intrusive thoughts of harming yourself or someone else

5. You have repetitive thoughts of worry or experience the feeling of hopelessness

6. You no longer find pleasure in the things you enjoy

7. You begin to socially withdraw

If you have acknowledged to experiencing any of these, therapy may be helpful for you.

Check-in with yourself

Incorporating mental wellness practices daily is a good start. Getting caught up in work and taking care of others is very easy. Take at least 15 minutes out of your day to check in with yourself. How high or low is your energy level today? What daily activities can you implement in your life to help increase your energy level? The practice I have implemented after attending therapy sessions is kickboxing. It is not the usual form of exercise one would first choose, but it is versatile, making it such an exciting experience. I get to release any negative feelings and relieve stress and tension which are all important for balancing health and wellness. Exercise has been shown to increase endorphins and helps physically and mentally. I encourage you to find activities you enjoy such as painting, reading, and journaling and pencil it in your planner to do at least once a week.

Please visit our mental health resources tab for more information on therapy and how to find a therapist.

The post Do I need therapy? appeared first on CMHI.

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The post Should Christians go to therapy? What does the Bible say? appeared first on CMHI.