To accomplish this, here is a list of Do's and Don'ts:

(suggested by Dr. Amenson)

DO

§  Help from within your role and let it be the family's job to determine treatment;

§  Focus on the afflicted youth's strengths;

§  Maintain group norms for behavior by expecting all youth to adhere to the group's expectations;

§  Treat mental health illnesses as any medical illness;

§  Expect fear and resistance from those with less understanding.

DON'T

§ Diagnose or treat, but refer to qualified mental health professionals. It is the family's responsibility to take matters from here;

§ Don't treat afflicted youth differently from others. Keep them included with family, friends, school and church by adhering to the same expectations as you have for all adolescents.

Sooner or later during the course of a youth ministry career, someone in your youth group will develop a life-altering brain disorder such asschizophrenia or bipolar disorder. You can make the transition to a true professional youth minister by educating yourself in preparation for such circumstances. Talk to your senior pastor and suggest having a mental health professional make a presentation at an upcoming staff meeting so your whole team is ready to make a life-long difference in the lives of young people. Read information on the early warning signs of serious mental illness (see the Web links below). Be bold and advocate that youth be screened professionally when they exhibit strange thoughts or behaviors. In so doing, God will use you to make a difference with your most challenged youth.

For Further Information:

• Australia's Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre -- Click on Learn More, then on Resources. There are excellent information sheets to download here.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness -- This is a comprehensive site with the latest info on all types of mental illnesses.

• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance -- Click on Signs & Symptoms to learn more.