We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Monica Kim and Danny Kwon’s new book Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders, published by New Growth Press in partnership with Rooted Ministries.
If you have a teenager in your life, you are probably well acquainted with the rise of mental health issues among the younger generations. But navigating these challenges with the teenagers in our care can feel like walking through a maze blindfolded. Whether you are a parent, a teacher, a mentor, or a youth pastor, you’ve likely felt the weight of wanting to support teenagers through these tough issues, without always knowing how to do it.
Monica Kim and Danny Kwon offer a vital resource in their new book, Teenagers and Mental Health: A Handbook for Parents, Pastors, and Youth Leaders. From years of experience in their respective fields of mental health and pastoral ministry, Monica and Danny share pastoral and counseling best practices centered on the gospel. Here are three specific ways that this resource can be of help for those working with teenagers.
1. When You’re Looking for a Biblical Foundation in Handling Mental Health Issues
As a student minister in the local church I have read many articles, listened to podcasts, and read several books on the topic of mental health and teenagers. In my experience, most of the conversation surrounding this issue has been descriptive: sharing the statistics and naming various mental health issues. By contrast, Monica and Danny’s book not only describes the issues, but takes the next step toward practical help. Their book offers a biblically grounded, culturally sensitive, and psychologically sound approach that resonates across backgrounds.
I am thankful to Monica and Danny for beginning with how the Bible speaks to mental health issues for students. For example, they write: “Because the Holy Spirit dwells in us, God can reveal to us our anxious hearts. So, we appeal to God, who knows us intimately, for deeper self-awareness” (p. 19).
After reading this book, you will have a working biblical foundation for supporting teenagers who struggle with mental health issues. This foundation that is critical knowledge for the assortment of people in the life of a teenager, but is missing in many mental health resources.
2. When You’re Not Sure What’s Typical for Teenage Development
Most of us recognize that up and down emotions are part of the deal when it comes to teenage development. But where’s the line between a rough week and something more serious like depression or anxiety? The authors of this timely book bring clarity and application to the most common forms of mental health struggles we see in teenagers, taking into account typical development for teenagers. They remind us that “The ability of teenagers to regulate emotions and exercise self-control is one of the more important developmental tasks during the teenage years” (p. 41).
The chapters of the book cover the typical issues we associate with mental health such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. They also include some more modern struggles such as body image, identity, and screen time struggles. For each specific issue, Monica and Danny provide a biblical framework to walk with teenagers. They also define the signs of a teenager’s needing further help outside of the home or church.
This book will equip any adult—whether at home, church, or school—to shepherd the heart of a teenager dealing with mental health concerns. Monica and Danny break down what mental health looks like in teenagers, offering clear definitions and developmental context. They help you spot early warning signs without jumping to worst-case scenarios.
3. When a Teen Opens Up—and You Don’t Know What to Say
When a teenager opens his heart to you and shares that he’s not okay, panic can set in. You want to say the right thing. You don’t want to worsen or minimize his pain.
This book provides a calm, thoughtful guide to prepare you for those crucial conversations in the future. Danny and Monica equip readers with language that’s validating but not overwhelming, graceful yet truthful. They also offer advice on when to listen, when to seek help from other sources, and how to avoid common pitfalls (like rushing to fix things). Whether a teenager is struggling with anxiety, self-harm, or identity issues, this book will equip you to show up wisely.
As the authors say in the book,“As parents, pastors, or youth leaders who love teenagers draw near to them, you can offer the hope of the gospel in the present moment through your compassionate relationship and various practical activities” (p. 133). You will find great help here in knowing how to talk with teenagers when they share or show signs of mental health issues.
Friends for the Journey
Navigating mental health issues with teenagers is complex, but you don’t have to face these concerns alone. Teenagers and Mental Health is a companion, a reference, and a resource you’ll turn to over and over again. Whether you’re facing a moment of crisis or simply wanting to build a healthier environment for the teenagers in your life, this book meets you where you are—with grace and clarity.
Reading ‘Teenagers and Mental Health’ has increased my awareness of mental health issues so that I can be more equipped in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through challenges with teenagers in my ministry. I pray God will use it similarly in your life to help you share the hope and comfort of the gospel with struggling teenagers you love.
