Young people’s mental health has been a concern in recent years. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in technology and societal pressures were adding to feelings of isolation and uncertainty in our youth. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
“Between the constant comparisons and challenges to keep up with the pressure to perform on social media; the expectation of being “always on” that comes with technology, instantaneous communication and troubling news cycles; the isolation, uncertainty, trauma and grief that have come from an unprecedented global crisis… Young people today are being challenged in ways we couldn’t believe.”
The Resilience Ministry at St. Paul’s has invited local mental health professionals to a panel discussion on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The discussion will include ideas on how we as a faith community can support our youth’s mental health and will be moderated by the Rev. Alice Graham Grant, Associate Rector for Children’s and Youth Formation. Professionals joining us will be:
- Kate Bridgers, MA, LPA, Psychologist with Birch Therapy, Wake County
- Julie Lee-Jacobs, Psy.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Child and Family Behavioral Health, Ft. Liberty, NC
- Laura Politte, MD, Child/Adolescent and Adult Psychiatrist, Medical Director of Outpatient Services, WakeMed Mental Health and Well-being
This event is intended for adults only, regardless of whether you have children; youth programming will be provided through EYC and Pre-EYC (including dinner); child care is available in the Kids’ Club for those younger than 4th grade. The program will begin with a light meal at 5 p.m. Register in advance with this form; learn more by contacting Howard Loughlin at hloughlin@earthlink.net.