In the journey of raising children, parents play a vital role in shaping their children’s mental health. A strong connection exists between parental influence and a child’s emotional well-being. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes that “… a child’s healthy development depends on their parents—and other caregivers who act in the role of parents—who serve as their first sources of support in becoming independent and leading healthy and successful lives.” A study from 2021 revealed that “poor mental health among parents or primary caregivers is associated with poor mental and physical health in children.” Statistics from that study also showed that “7.2% of children had at least one caregiver with poor mental health.” The typical stresses of parenthood can be extra challenging, especially when one of the parents or caregivers struggles with mental health challenges. In May of 2022, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry released alarming statistics on the state of youth mental health:

• “One in five U.S. children has a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder in a given year.”
• “Half of all mental health disorders show first signs before a person turns 14 years old, and 75% of mental health disorders begin before age 24.”
• “In 2020, one in six young people experienced a major depressive episode, and suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-24.”
• “Only half of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental health problems receive the treatment they need.”
• “There are approximately 10,500 practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States.
• “The national average age of practicing child and adolescent psychiatrists is 52 years.”
• “Ratios of child and adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000 children range by state from four to 65, with a national average of 14 child and adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000 children.”

This shortage does not just stop with psychiatrists—it affects hospitals and nearly every type of mental health profession. Long wait times to access help only increase the burden parents are feeling. What can be done about the dangerous lack of doctors, therapists, and resources to attend to the needs of children in crisis?

Our prayer is that the Church can engage and step into this moment by equipping parents with resources to educate and support them on how to help their children. The Church has a unique opportunity to play an essential role in addressing this crisis by providing parents with a supportive community, education, and mental health resources to stem the tide. Some examples of ways churches can do this are by providing:

• Support groups for parents
• Mental health ministries
• Volunteer-based care and coaching services
• Professional-led training on pressing topics

The adage that it “takes a village to raise a child” may never be more accurate than it is today. Regardless of whether a church has the available resources, just starting can be a pivotal chance to help needy families.