Articles
Depressed Youth
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Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,
And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth;
Walk in the ways of your heart,
And in the sight of your eyes;
But know that for all these
God will bring you into judgment.
Therefore remove sorrow from your heart,
And put away evil from your flesh,
For childhood and youth are vanity.
(Eccl. 11:9-10)
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According to a report recently released by researchers at Harvard, Northeastern, and Rutgers, young Americans aged 18-24 are experiencing a precipitous decline in mental health. The study revealed that:
- 47.3% of this age group show at least moderate symptoms of depression.
- 36.9% think they would be better off dead--a ten-fold increase from a similar study conducted in 2014.
- These numbers are similar across all demographic groups of young people, by gender, race, and education.
The researchers conclude that America is becoming a country "where unprecedented numbers of younger individuals are experiencing depression, anxiety, and, for some, thoughts of suicide."
What is behind this alarming trend? The study points to the effects of the COVID pandemic, such as loss of income, prolonged isolation, etc. That's a contributor, no doubt, but I suspect there are deeper undercurrents eroding their spirits also. All their lives they have witnessed the widespread corruption of a broken and cynical political system. They have been indoctrinated in the nihilism of a pagan education system. They are immersed 24/7 in an entertainment culture that promotes hedonism and mocks morality. It's no wonder they are experiencing what Victor Frankl called "a crisis of meaning." The pandemic is just the final stressor pushing them over the edge.
Young people are our future, but if they lose their enthusiasm for even living, what kind of future is our nation facing?
The answer to this crisis starts with us older folks. We must be careful how we talk about the pressing issues of our day. Sure, there's a lot of evil and corruption in this world; but do we believe that God is still in control? If so, does our language reflect that transcendent optimism, or are we consumed with rage over our country going to the dogs? Is it possible that our young people are merely reflecting the bitter negativity of their elders? In which case, we are contributing to their depression.
Young people themselves are not without excuse here. They need to step up to the duties of adulthood and recognize the universal principle that life is largely what we make of it--starting with a deep conviction that there is a God, and everything we do matters under His watchful gaze.
Young people, happiness in life is a choice we make, not something that is given to or taken from us. Think and act like it.
—David
