Let’s Be the Difference

Mental Health Educational Opportunities for Pastors, Leaders and Families

By Rev. Jevon Billups

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

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increased child sexual abuse and exploitation also has increased. Some reports show that at least 1 in 5 children will experience some form of sexual abuse, most often, by someone they know. The abuser may not always be an adult — it could be a child who is exerting power or control over another child. The holiday season also brings on mental and emotional challenges for millions of Americans. Signs and symptoms of seasonal depression, anxiety and grief can have significant impacts on the wellbeing of many people during November and December. There are also reports of increased concerns in January as we enter a new year and some adjust to the reality of overspending during the holiday season or the process of taking down all the beautiful decorations, or that all the parties and festivities have ended and families are retreating to their everyday lives. Our churches must respond to this escalating issue. We cannot close our eyes or turn away, and with our churches now reopening, we must equip our pastors, leaders and families with the skills to create communities of hope and recovery, and to protect our children. Join Church of the Great Anointing, Dominion Life Center, Fellowship Baptist, Fort Foote Baptist, First Baptist of Minnesota Avenue, National Baptist Memorial, Pathways Baptist, Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist, Purity Baptist, St. Mary’s Baptist, Shiloh Baptist and Zion Baptist of Eastland Gardens in this movement to save a life one conversation at a time. Let’s Be the DIFFERENCE.

DCBC is offering the following opportunities for education and growth:

• Mental Health First Aid Certification Course: This skills-based training course teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues and how to identify, understand and respond to the signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training provides you with the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or who is experiencing a crisis. Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Blended In-Person)

Saturdays, Jan. 15 & 22, 2022, 9 a.m. – 12 noon (Virtual) — Cost: $75.00 per person • Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children Certification (aka Stewards of Children®)

Course: This is an evidence-informed, award-winning two-hour training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Through interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts and treatment providers, Stewards of

Children® teaches adults practical actions to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families and communities. Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (In-

Person) — Cost: $20.00 per person

• Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Course: This course is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12–18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. It is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. It introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a fivestep action plan for how to help young people in crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Virtual) — Cost: $75.00 per person • A Conversation on Money and Mental Health: Studies show that mental health concerns cost the global economy more than $1 trillion every year in lost productivity. Mental health challenges can cause high turnover rates, increased absenteeism or unfortunate employee errors. On the other hand, lack of financial stability can cause increased stress, food inequities and housing concerns, which contribute to psychological and substance use challenges. During this conversation, we will take a deeper look at the data, risk and protective factors and discuss measures we can take to improve our own mental wellbeing and help others who may be presenting some challenges. Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Virtual) — Cost: FREE

If your church would like to host any of these certification courses for your staff, congregation or community, please contact info@dcbaptist.org for more information.

Rev. Jevon Billups is the DCBC Mental Health Coordinator (jevonbillups@gmail.com)