“Nearly 20%—that’s one in five children— ages 3-17 in the U.S. have a mental, developmental, or behavioral disorder, like ADHD, anxiety, behavior issues, or depression,” says ADRA International’s Mental Health Specialist, Weanne Estrada-Magbunua, MPH, during the upcoming “Let’s Talk Mental Health: How Can I Help My Child” webinar.
To start conversations around mental health, and provide practical information to parents, caregivers, and young people, is exactly why the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is hosting their first “Let’s Talk Mental Health” webinar specifically designed to support parents and caregivers worried about their child or loved one’s mental health.
“Mental health has often been such an undervalued aspect of the conversation about health in our families, workplaces, churches, and communities. However, studies have shown just how significantly our emotional well-being affects our physical health and vice-versa,” ” says Estrada-Magbunua. “At ADRA, our purpose is ‘to serve humanity so all may live as God intended,’ and part of His intention for humanity is for us to experience peace and comfort and be anxious about nothing. It is therefore ADRA’s calling to promote mental resilience and well-being, especially in today’s stressful times.”
The program will be hosted by Estrada-Magbunua and will include a 15 minute live Q&A hosted by Shannon Trecartin, Vice Chair and MSW Program Director Andrews University School of Social Work and International Center for Trauma Education and Care.
The 45 minute webinar will address just some of the causes of stress, anxiety, and depression young people and children encounter today. During the program Estrada-Magbunua will also give practical advice and steps that can be taken when talking to young people about these issues. She will also share with parents what to look out for if their child is struggling with their mental health.
“By integrating mental health support into our programs, we’re fostering resilience and empowering individuals to overcome challenges,” says Michael Kruger, president of ADRA International. “This holistic approach allows us to make a more profound and lasting impact on the communities we serve, helping people not just survive, but thrive.”
Estrada-Magbunua agrees with the importance of, not only integrating mental health into our programs, but the responsibility of ADRA to talk about issues surrounding mental health. “We want to start crucial conversations on important topics such as child and youth mental health, compassion fatigue, and anxiety or depression. We want to equip people with practical tools and resources that will help them thrive,” she says.
After Estrada-Magbunua talks about the struggles and provide helpful tips, and Trecartin hosts the live Q&A, participants will gain access to our downloadable mental health kit, that they and their loved ones can use for their mental health journey.
“We hope these webinars encourage people to be proactive about their own resilience, as well as that of their children, parents, co-workers, church-mates, and community members,” says Estrada-Magbunua.”
The Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar will be held on World Mental Health Day, October 10 at 11am EST.
You can learn more about “Let’s Talk Mental Health: How Can I Help My Child” and sign-up for the webinar here!
This webinar should not be considered professional mental health advice and should not be used for treatment or diagnosis. If you, your child or loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts or struggling with your mental health, please immediately seek out the guidance of a licensed mental health professions. If you are in the United States, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The “Let’s Talk Mental Health” webinar is for informational purposes only. The organizers and presenters do not assume responsibility for any actions taken based on this webinar.
