S.A.L.T. - Seasoned Conversations for Youth Mental Health

S.A.L.T. - Seasoned Conversations for Youth Mental Health

The statistics are clear – mental illness is a young person’s illness. In any 12-month period, 2 in 5 young Australians aged 16–24 will suffer from a mental illness. Of those who experience mental illness at some point in their life, 75% will have had their first episode by the age of 25.

We also know that during this stage the adolescent brain is changing and developing at a rapid rate. More than at any other age, the adolescent brain is exceptionally malleable (also known as neuroplasticity) – with the flexibility to develop and create new neural pathways. The brain is also going through the natural process of synaptic pruning, where it “prunes” or discards irrelevant and underused neural pathways, whilst strengthening others for adulthood.

 

Why is this relevant to us as youth leaders and ministers?

Having some understanding about brain development will help us to maximise the opportunity for early intervention as we live and journey alongside young people. Without a doubt, research has demonstrated that early detection of the signs of mental illness and early intervention are some of the most effective measures in recovery from mental illness and in prevention of relapse.

As we journey alongside young people, we are gifted the opportunity to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental distress and implement early intervention strategies.

 

 Did you know, Anglicare have Youth Mental Health Educators who can partner with churches and schools to provide mental health training for leaders, teachers and parents. Enquire now, email: takelove@anglicare.org.au / flse@anglicare.org.au

 

You don’t need to be a mental health expert to provide early intervention. In fact, simply being a trusted adult in a young person’s life is the best way to see the signs early, and then engage in a mental health conversation.

Let me share with you one of my favourite methods that I use to engage with young people concerning their mental health.

 

Have conversations that are seasoned with S.A.L.T. (it’s a bit cringy, I know!).

SEE - Look out for signs or indications that suggest that a young person might be struggling or going through a tough time.

ASK - Inquire gently and specifically about how they are, sharing what you’ve noticed about the changes to their behaviour or thoughts. Remind them that you care and invite them to let you know how you might best support them.

LISTEN - Give the young person your full attention. Don’t be afraid of sitting in the silence with them, and when appropriate reflect back what you hear them saying and seek to normalise their emotions.

TELL – Know what other supports are available and share these with the young person. Encourage them to make the most of these supports, and ensure they have the means to access them. You may also like to explore non-formal supports with the young person – including friends, family, and other trusted adults.

 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

As Christians, we understand mankind as made in the image of a relational God, and therefore relationships are imbedded into our overall wellbeing. We are made for relationships, both vertically (with God) and horizontally (with each other).

 

It shouldn’t surprise us then that the research clearly shows that being in healthy relationships with others, within the context of a wider community, is a key protective factor in the development of mental illness and for the success of recovery for someone suffering from a mental illness.

 

 The LORD is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 

 

My encouragement to you is to keep doing what you’re doing. Local church youth ministry provides the perfect opportunity to nurture young people in their relationship with God and each other, and to notice and attend to any emerging mental health concerns. Using the S.A.L.T. method may assist you to do so.

If you would like to explore further training and information for your volunteer youth leaders, parents, and yourself, please reach out to Anglicare’s Family and Life Skills Team – we’d love to help!

 

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

 

 

Blog by Tilda Aquilina & Trinette Stanley.

Mental Health Month, October 2024.

 

 

 

 

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023, October 5). National study of mental health and wellbeing. Retrieved May 28, 2024, from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-healthand-wellbeing/latest-release

Australian Government Productivity Commission (2020). Mental health (Report No. 95), page 9. https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/mental-health/report/mentalhealth.pdf

Wesley Mission Suicide Prevention SALT: See, Ask, Listen, Take https://www.wesleymission.org.au/find-a-service/mental-health/suicide-prevention/saltsee-ask-listen-take