Let’s Be the DIFFERENCE: Mental Health Educational Opportunities for Pastors, Leaders and Families By Rev. Jevon Billups
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he pandemic has taken its toll on the most vulnerable members in our communities. Emergency room visits due to mental health and substance use concerns have risen drastically. The sustained impact of COVID-19, social isolation and grief have caused an increase in anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and unhealthy self-soothing behaviors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports “considerable elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19 among younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers.” Many older adults have reported increased feelings of depression and anxiety as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has declared a national emergency in children’s mental health, causing the AAP to call on policymakers to take action to address the ongoing challenges facing our children and adolescents. And while the world has been responding to the pandemic by closing schools and turning to more online activities, the dark reality of December/January | Capital Baptist Newsletter
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