I am Second has graciously published my Back-to-School article:
Here’s the quick summary:
1. Anxiety going back-to-school is normal.
Why be surprised? Embrace it; accept it as normal; lean into it.
2. Don’t make anxiety personal.
There’s no shame in suffering. There’s joy in growing through it (see James 1:2-4 in the Bible).
3. Get personal.
Each child is different, and getting to know your child or yourself goes a long way in personalizing the journey.
4. Tolerate uncertainty; live by faith.
This article is coming out as COVID-19 numbers have been spiking in the U.S. again. And it’s an ample reminder of uncertainty- for some the greater uncertainty is other people more than it is the virus itself. Also see my article, “Walk By Faith, Not By Coronavirus.”
Faith is not a blind throwing our hands in the air, like the Journey song, “Livin’ On A Prayer”- it is desperate dependence on God who has revealed Himself while we also feel and face doubt, uncertainty, and screw it up (Hebrews 11:1).
5. Asking for help is a sign of strength.
We all need help, and getting on the front side of a problem is one of the best things we can do. If we schedule regular visits for physical health why not mental health?
Thank you for writing this!!!! Adults and adolescents alike need to hear thus truth. I am so thankful mental health is something we finally talk about now. It is not as much the deep dark secret that you can’t mention in Christian circles.
Mary, I couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks for the comment. Yes, mental health is coming out of the shadows, and the church can play such a pivotal role. Thank you!!