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Wednesday Night Family Info
I hope you're doing well! Soon, we’ll be kicking off a new four-week series called “My Friend Is Struggling With…” where we’ll be taking a deep dive into the subject of mental illness. Since this series deals with topics that are a bit heavier than usual, we want to make sure that you are aware of the topic we’ll be discussing each week so that you can be better equipped to engage with the material at home.
Series Overview
Mental health issues are common among students. It’s being talked about quite often by many around students. We are seeking not to diagnose students, or give them ideas that they might have some problem themselves. But instead give them a framework that whatever anyone is struggling with in this life, God offers us continued hope and guidance. We also want to be able to show support to those in our life that do struggle with a variety of issues in their lives!
Overarching Goals of this Series:
To help students understand mental illness (specifically depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/ideation), offering insight into the physical/chemical and emotional components of these illnesses.
To offer students ways that they can support their friends and loved ones who may be experiencing mental illness.
To encourage students who are experiencing their own mental illness to seek help and keep an open dialogue with adults who love them (specifically parents and trained medical professionals) while purposefully building and relying on their own support network (such as friends, family, and small group leaders).
Session 1: Mental Health
Big Idea: God can use us to love and support our friends who struggle.
Key Insights:
God doesn’t view illness, whether physical or mental, as punishment for sin.
God can use illness, whether physical or mental, to display His power.
As believers, we're called to help carry our friends' burdens. Whether it's through listening, affirming their identity in Christ, or praying for them, every action matters.
You don't have to struggle alone. Healing often starts with honest conversations and the support of a loving community.
Questions for Discussion:
Why do you think it might be difficult for some people to talk about mental health issues?
What misconceptions do you think there might be about mental illness that we should be aware of?
When our friends struggle with a mental illness, what are some ways we can be there for them?
Session 2: Depression
Big Idea: Jesus understands and cares about our pain.
Key Insights:
Depression, grief, and sadness are part of being human.
Jesus is well-acquainted with sorrow and grief.
Jesus cares about our pain.
Questions for Discussion:
What do you feel might be some of the most common triggers that cause situational depression for someone your age?
What might be some reasons that you would encourage a friend to seek counseling with a trained professional?
Session 3: Anxiety
Big Idea: God offers comfort to those struggling with anxiety.
Key Insights:
God loves, cares for, and comforts those who struggle with anxiety.
God calls us to share His comfort with those who struggle with anxiety.
Questions for Discussion:
When you feel anxious, how do you respond to that emotion?
How can we resist the urge to try to “fix” a friend who struggles with anxiety?
Session 4: Hopelessness
Big Idea: Because God is the source of all hope, we can share His hope with friends who feel hopeless.
Key Insights:
God never fails or abandons you.
God never grows weak or weary, and He renews your strength when you trust in Him.
Questions for Discussion:
How do you define strength?
How would you describe the difference between strength and endurance?
Why do you think it’s so important to tell a caring adult about a friend who’s struggling with hopelessness? What if your friend doesn’t want you to tell anyone?
We hope that the discussion questions provided above might lead your family to have more a deeper awareness of what the Holy Spirit is doing in your lives. As always, please feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions!
Thanks for letting us be a part of investing in your students and family, if you have any questions or concerns, please email Pastor Zachl!
In His Grace,
Zach Boyer
Pastor at Clairemont Emmanuel
858 322 2105