Be an encourager to parents. “Let me know you’re not in our game but are there for me and that I can call you if I need to,” Dan said.

Also, go out of your way to encourage students suffering from these illnesses. Catch these kids doing something good and praise them appropriately.

Be aware of the symptoms of mental health illnesses and understand how to deal with them. In particular, when it comes to dealing with the mood swings that so often accompany these illnesses, remain calm and give kids space. Constantly reassure the student that she’s OK. “Keep me grounded,” Susan said. “Let me know I’m safe.”

Give students with mental health illnesses clear boundaries. Give them responsibilities and help them understand the consequences of their behavior—even if it’s a symptom of their illness. Doing so will help students take ownership of their illness without allowing it to become their crutch.

At the same time, be willing to make reasonable accommodations for students with mental health illnesses. “Constantly tell us, ‘It’s no problem,’” Susan said. “Otherwise we feel like we can’t go to you.”

Work with parents to determine realistically what a student can and cannot handle, especially regarding retreats and mission trips. During any trip, manage a student’s medications for them and know who to call in a crisis.

Above all, help students understand the truth to which Susan has clung – that her situation is not hopeless. Even though Susan cannot cure this disease, she can manage it; and she can learn to live with it and flourish.

“OCD is really common, and it’s really treatable,” Susan said. “OCD is an illness caused by chemicals in your brain. You cannot cure it, but you can manage it … Giving up didn’t work, so I tried working at it. If you get help, it will get better. I’m armed and ready to work at this. I don’t have an inspiring story, and it’s not traumatic. It’s just my life. This is my battle, and I’ll battle it.”

Through the grace of God, my hope is we, as the body of Christ, can learn how more effectively to stand with and support Susan and others like her in their battles with mental health illnesses.

Suggested Resources:

“Frontline”: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/medicatedchild/

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: http://www.aacap.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www.nami.org/

National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/