All mental health articles
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ArticleHow Christian parents can help young people navigate Christmas stress
Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, but for many young people it brings added stresses - Rachael Newham analyses the problem and suggests some ways Christian parents can respond
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Article4 ideas for Christian parents feeling low as the days get darker
As the nights draw in, we can want to hibernate and wake up in spring - Dawn Kay suggest 4 ways to keep going if it feels tough this autumn
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Article3 ways Christian parents can take the lead on healthy smartphone use in their family
To combat the negative impact of smartphone use Sandeep Louise encourages parents to set the example for their youth and children to follow
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ArticleHow Christian parents can boost the well-being of their children through the food they eat
Cancer Research UK has just released research tracking junk food advertising on young people’s social media feeds. In addition to the negative physical health implications of junk food, Nate Jones from the Ugly Duckling Company considers the impact on the mental and spiritual health of children and young people
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ArticleAddicted, anxious and online: What every Christian parent needs to know about social media and wellbeing
When 15-year-old Anna decides to embark on a fitness regime, she soon discovers social-media posts offering nutrition advice. Embracing her new healthy lifestyle enthusiastically, she begins sharing her progress online. Within weeks, she finds herself scrolling through dieting regimens. As well as working out at the gym, she begins limiting her food intake. Her social media use quickly spirals from anorexia and bulimia sites onto pages promoting self-harm.
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ArticleThis Mental Health Awareness week, Christian parents can turn to the Bible for help with the well-being of their children
As Christian parents, we’re probably used to wanting to find out what the Bible has to say about the issues facing us and our families. We want to use scripture to help us navigate the world, and whilst sometimes we can easily see what the Bible has to say on a topic (there is an abundance of wisdom on navigating conflict well, for example), at other times it can be a little trickier.
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ArticleFinding peace after loss: Trusting God while supporting your child’s grief
Grief is one of the most challenging experiences that we endure in life. Whether it arrives suddenly or evolves over time, nothing fully prepares you for the plethora of emotions that it brings. When my father passed away last year, the grief was overwhelming. Though I continue to hold on to my faith, there are days when the weight of his absence feels unbearable, and the notion of ‘healing’ seems distant.
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ArticleSweet dreams - Sleep is foundational for the mental and spiritual health of youth and children
I can remember as a child and teenager trying various tactics to push back my bedtime. It was like going to sleep was a bad thing and creating a battle or managing to get to bed later was somehow a worthwhile victory. As an adult I now enjoy getting a good night’s sleep – but occasionally there is a battle with myself to get off the sofa and make it happen.
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ArticleIt’s not all in the head - Physical activity is really important for the mental and spiritual health of youth and children
In 2024 there were 9.3 million NHS Couch to 5K runs started in the year as people sought to get healthy. I really enjoy physical activity but there are times (especially at the end of a busy day or if it is cold and dark) that dragging myself away from a comfy sofa is quite a challenge. However, one thing I do know is that being active is good for me and I always feel better having chosen to abandon the sofa for exercise.
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ArticleOur children and young people need the good news not mere happy news
Rachael Newham considers whether we are passing on an emotional prosperity gospel and what a healthier approach might be.
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ArticleWhy asking for help is not the sign of weakness we think it is and how do it more
I’m an American, and we sure do love our self-sufficiency. But we’re not alone in this reality. In the world of leadership, self-sufficiency is seen as a sign of strength (and sadly, ministry leadership is not an exception to this).
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ArticleHow do you build your child’s emotional resilience?
What’s your top tip for building resilience?
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IssuesGod has given us insight into how our brains develop. Let’s use it in the post-Covid season
Have you noticed more meldowns in the children you know?
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IssuesQ&A: Guvna B
Multi-award-winning rap artist Guvna B released an album earlier this year that speaks honestly about his grief following his father’s death. Editor Ruth Jackson spoke to Guvna about faith, vulnerability and hope
