Lutheran Care’s Post

ATTACHMENT AND OUR CHILDRENS’ MENTAL HEALTH ‘Betrayal Trauma’ isn't just about infidelity. It mirrors the threat we impose on our children in a 'modern' society. We know so much more about attachment and betrayal trauma and how a romantic relationship can be ripped apart by not only infidelity but also the lies that go hand in hand with affairs. Suddenly, the secure base that allows an individual to go out into the world with confidence and stability is wiped out. As we recognise that the betraying partner, who once provided safety and comfort, suddenly becomes the source of threat, we know also the impact ruptures through every other part of the betrayed partner’s life. As Michelle Mays says, "They are left wobbling about on a Jenga-like structure undercut with lies and secrets". I suggest the same term is valid for many of our youth today, who are also "left wobbling about on a Jenga-like structure". This time, however, they are left undercut by a divisive society driven by an economic growth mindset rather than a philosophy that aims to underpin the core foundation of society: family and community. As our global political system continues to drive market forces, the resulting isolation, competition, and separation become the rupture in the safety and comfort a child requires for healthy attachment and development. The early need to be securely bonded with a primary caregiver is denied, and 'hey presto'; we rip away our children's core foundation of safety and security and wipe out their ability to go out into the world with confidence and safety. 'Societal systems which create socio-economic inequality reducing people’s sense of connection to others increases loneliness and compromises our wellbeing and mental health'. Wilkinson & Pickett, 2009. Continuing to provide ambulances at the cliff edge is not the answer or solution. Questioning budgets for mental health resources isn't going to create change, nor will increasing the number of university training places for mental health professionals. What's required is a return to the values of whānau and a universal focus on investment into primary prevention programs for parents, which include psychoeducation and training, with an emphasis on the role of developing secure attachment parenting and enhancing parental reflective functioning. Who else finds it a tragedy that many mental health foundations and institutions still today never mention attachment science in their political agendas for improvements in mental health? #attachmentscience #teenagementalhealth #howtonotscrewupourkids

Groundbreaking new research shows teens aren’t that worried about stigma, but do need help engaging their own parents. They’re concerned about feeling misunderstood, discomfort with emotional conversations, and fear of being a burden. Stigma-related barriers are still higher among Asian, Hispanic/Latinx, Black/African American, and LGBTQ+ teens, reducing their tendency to reach out for support, true. But the findings that teens are more likely to seek out support from parents first, hoping for judgment free, confidential conversations really point to the value of dyadic services. By caring for parents and caregivers at the same time as their kids, we model this experience and give adults both wellbeing and tools they need for their child in a virtuous, village-esque cascade. That more than half (59%) of teens are most likely to reach out to an adult if they are worried about a friend being suicidal, but only 43% are most likely to reach out if they, themselves, are suicidal still tells us how far we have to go universally screen for suicide in ALL areas of child and youth engagement from schools, to primary care, reproductive care to behavioral health care to social media platforms (yes, I said that, thinking of Rob Morris, PhD’s Koko and Larissa May’s #halfthestory.) #mentalhealthishealth. The #lastmileproblem of youth #suicideprevention is about solving communication, parents’ needs and skills, and ubiquitous suicide risk identification. Thanks as always for your leadership John MacPhee and The Jed Foundation (JED)!

I am pleased to share research by The Jed Foundation (JED) from our new report, “Unraveling the Stigma: Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Support Among U.S. Teens,” made possible by the support of the Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health. Compiled from a national sample of more than 1,500 teens ages 13 to 17, the study found that stigma is not a top barrier for teens seeking help and that they are now turning primarily to their parents for emotional support, rather than friends. While 74% of teens say it is a sign of strength to reach out for their mental health, 42% say they lack the words to ask for help — particularly if they are members of historically marginalized communities. Each new generation forms their own perspectives on mental health and where they can turn for support. It’s important for us to focus on young people today and help them overcome the barriers they face. That way, supportive adults can better understand and enable teens to share their feelings and access the help they need. To read our report and check out a roadmap for supportive adults to help protect the young people in their lives, visit https://bit.ly/4bn0vMw. 

Important to know how to connect and not make assumptions.

Neurodivergent persons and persons with neurodevelopmental conditions are often not adequately accounted for in mental health research. I'm looking forward to this webinar! Check out the link below.

World Mental Health Day: Understanding Childhood Irritability As we recognize World Mental Health Day, it's vital to highlight the significance of understanding childhood irritability. Research shows that while occasional meltdowns are common in children, high levels of irritability can be an early indicator of future mental health challenges. Recent studies, including work from Dr. Lauren S. Wakschlag and colleagues, have developed the MAPS Temper Loss Scale (MAPS-TL) to assess irritability across various developmental stages. This tool helps identify when a child's behavior may require attention, distinguishing typical childhood reactions from those that warrant intervention. Key Insights: Nuanced Measurement: The MAPS-TL considers specific behaviors, their frequency, and context, providing a comprehensive view of a child's emotional development. Early Intervention: Addressing irritability early can positively impact a child's mental health trajectory. Real-World Application: Tools like MAPS-TL are designed for practical use by healthcare providers and families, promoting timely support. Let’s raise awareness about the importance of monitoring childhood behaviors and advocating for early intervention. By fostering a better understanding of irritability, we can support the mental health and well-being of our children. #WorldMentalHealthDay #ChildMentalHealth #Irritability #EarlyIntervention #SupportChildren

Hey y’all - I am excited to share new research by The Jed Foundation (JED), made possible by the support of the Morgan Stanley’s Alliance for Children’s Mental Health, shows stigma-related feelings, like shame about difficult emotions, are not the main barriers for teens seeking emotional support. The report provides actionable recommendations for supportive adults to help young people talk about their mental health. Read the full report to learn more by visiting https://bit.ly/4bn0vMw.

Following a great turn out at yesterday's Beyond Stigma: Mental Health Help-Seeking Behaviors in Teens Webinar hosted by Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health, I am thrilled to share original research led by my amazing colleague Kamla Modi, Ph.D. at The Jed Foundation (JED). This study evaluated stigma and its role in help-seeking among teens, ages 13 to 17. #MentalHealth Based on a national sample of more than 1,500 teens, “Unraveling the Stigma: Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Support Among U.S. Teens,” reveals that stigma does not top the list of teens’ concerns when seeking support. Youth are more concerned with feeling that others wouldn’t understand them, discomfort surrounding emotional conversations, and perceived fear of being a burden to others. One key finding, which as a parent of a teenage boy made me extremely happy, was that young people still want to talk to their parents! Teens reported primarily turning to non-judgmental parents for support. Our report highlights new and impactful data and also features a roadmap for adults to help the young people in their lives. This research was made possible by the generous support of Morgan Stanley Alliance for Children’s Mental Health. To read the full report, visit https://bit.ly/4bn0vMw. 

In recent years, there's been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health services. However, for neurodivergent and disabled clients, accessing these services often presents unique challenges. As professionals in the counseling field, it's essential to understand the barriers these individuals face and how we can adapt our practices to meet their diverse needs. In this article, we’ll explore these difficulties, the unique insights neurodivergent and disabled individuals can offer, and the importance of adapting our practices to be more inclusive and accessible. Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services When considering the challenges neurodivergent and disabled clients face, it's crucial to recognize that accessibility goes beyond physical barriers. For example, the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK reports that people with disabilities are more likely to experience poor mental health, yet they face significant difficulties in accessing psychological therapies. This disparity highlights the need for more inclusive practices in mental health services. Furthermore, conventional communication methods may not cater to those who process information differently. This can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of effective communication between the client and counselor. Embracing Human Individuality Every individual brings a unique perspective and set of experiences to the table. When counseling services are willing to adapt to meet the needs of neurodivergent and disabled clients, they not only enhance accessibility but also enrich the therapeutic process. By acknowledging and embracing human individuality, counselors can create an environment where all clients feel valued and understood. **Value of Diversity:** Neurodivergent and disabled individuals often have unique ways of thinking and solving problems. By listening to their perspectives, counselors can gain insights that might not be apparent through conventional approaches. This diversity enriches the counseling practice and fosters a more inclusive environment for all clients. Learning from Neurodivergent and Disabled Voices To truly make counseling practices more accessible, it’s vital to listen to the voices of neurodivergent and disabled individuals, both as clients and as professionals within the field. Their lived experiences provide invaluable insights into what works and what doesn’t. Addressing the difficulties neurodivergent and disabled clients face in counseling requires a commitment to understanding and adapting to their unique needs. By embracing diversity, personalizing approaches, and listening to the voices of those with lived experiences, we can create a more inclusive and effective mental health service.

Disability, Equity, and Mental Health Research Webinar Series: Improving Mental Health Equity for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Conditions: An Examination of Risk and Protective Factors and Potential Interventions This webinar will discuss the latest research on factors that impact depression and suicidality in autistic people and how to use community-based methods to develop effective interventions.