Youth today face a myriad of pressures and challenges that can impact their mental health and well-being. I am aware that this is a complex and debated topic. Some experts argue that today's youth face unique challenges such as increased academic pressure, social media influence, and economic instability, which may impact their resilience. Others believe that young people today have access to more resources and support systems than past generations, that can help them build resilience. It's important to consider various factors when discussing resilience and mental health in youth, including societal changes, technological advancements, and mental health awareness. From academic stress in schools to societal expectations in communities; from moral dilemmas in churches to cyberbullying and social media pressures online, young people are navigating a complex landscape that can take a toll on their mental health. In schools, students are often under immense pressure to excel academically, participate in extracurricular activities, and navigate social dynamics. The constant push to perform well on exams, meet high expectations, and juggle multiple responsibilities can lead to feeling overwhelmed, feeling anxiety, and experiencing burnout. It is crucial to create supportive environments that prioritize mental health, offer resources for coping with stress, and encourage open conversations about mental well-being. In American communities, teens may face societal pressures to conform to certain standards, norms, and expectations. This can include pressure to succeed, fit in, or meet cultural or familial obligations. These external pressures can create internal conflicts and feelings of inadequacy or disconnection. Community leaders and organizations play a vital role in promoting acceptance and resources for youth to seek help and support. Adolescence is a vital time for developmental milestones, but one that is impactful is the development of personal faith.
During adolescence, young people undergo significant cognitive and social development that shapes their understanding of faith and religious beliefs. From around age 13 to 18, adolescents begin to think abstractly, enabling them to see the deeper layers of meaning in biblical stories, rituals, and symbols of their faith. This abstract thinking allows them to view these elements as cohesive narratives that reflect values and morals. Young people may also grapple with moral and spiritual dilemmas, questioning their beliefs, values, and identities during this time. Religious expectations that do not allow opportunities for young people to explore these questions can create internal struggles and feelings of guilt and shame, that ultimately may result in a crisis of faith.
As adolescents develop the ability to see things from someone else's perspective, they also start to imagine what others think about them and their faith. This shift towards perspective-taking marks a key stage in claiming their faith as their own, separate from their family's beliefs, albeit it is common for young people to adopt the faith of their family while beginning to personalize and internalize it. Wise is the spiritual leader who takes an approach that nourishes adolescent curiosity. Issues of religious authority become important for young people during adolescence. For younger adolescents, religious authority often resides with their parents and significant adults in their lives, which could be pastors, Sunday School teachers, and elders in their local assembly. As adolescents transition into young adulthood, respect for religious authority is impacted by peer pressure and the religious community at large.
The collective religious authority is perceived to exist outside of the individual, shaping an understanding of faith and guiding their religious practices. Churches can be a safe and warm space for adolescents and young adults to explore faith, seek guidance, and find a sense of belonging and acceptance. The developmental stage of faith is crucial for adolescents as they navigate their beliefs, values, and identity within the framework of their faith. It is a time of exploration, questioning, and growth as they begin to establish their own relationship with God and their faith community. The transition from familial influence to personal ownership of faith sets the stage for a much deeper connection and understanding of biblical beliefs and practices, a transition that sometimes may take them to research on their own, in places that are not safe for the developing mind of an adolescent.
Online resources are one such space. Online, youth are exposed to a digital world that can be both empowering and overwhelming. Social media platforms, online communities, and digital interactions can lead to cyberbullying, comparison, and feelings of inadequacy. It is essential for parents, educators, spiritual leaders, and online platforms to promote digital literacy, cyber safety, and healthy online habits to protect youth from the negative impact of online pressures.
Resilience in today's youth may be lower compared to previous generations and we can choose to focus that or on ways to help our young people build resilience and mental well-being. Lower resilience today may be due to specific factors that were not as impactful in past generations, such as:
Increased Stress: Modern youth are often exposed to higher levels of stress and pressure from academic demands, social media, and societal expectations, which can impact their ability to bounce back from challenges.
Technology and Social Media: Excessive use of technology and social media can lead to feelings of loneliness, comparison, and cyberbullying, which may affect the mental well-being of young people.
Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction: With the rise of digital communication, young people may have fewer opportunities for face-to-face interactions and building strong social connections, which are essential for developing resilience.
Overprotective Parenting: Some experts have suggested that overprotective parenting styles may hinder the development of resilience in youth, as they are not given the opportunity to navigate and overcome challenges on their own.
External Pressures: Youth today face a rapidly changing and uncertain world, with challenges such as economic instability and political unrest, which is contributing to feelings of anxiety and helplessness.
On the whole, we must come together to support and empower our youth in navigating these challenges. By creating safe environments in schools, communities, churches, and online spaces, we can help young people build resilience, cope with pressure, and prioritize their mental well-being. There is a call today to Christian parents and leaders to step up to their game and help our youth build resilience by incorporating the following strategies:
First, encourage faith and trust in God. Teach them to rely on their faith in God during difficult times and to trust that He really does have a plan for their lives. Encourage prayer, Bible study, and regular attendance to church services to strengthen their spiritual foundations.
Second, be a model of resilient behavior. As adult parents and leaders, we serve as role models by demonstrating resilience in our own lives. Show your young person how to overcome challenges with faith, perseverance, and a positive attitude.
Third, provide support and encouragement. Create a supportive and nurturing environment where your young people feel safe to express their feelings and seek guidance on ANY topic. LISTEN to them; do not sermonize or talk over them; HEAR their hearts, not their words; and then offer words of encouragement, praise their efforts, and provide that safe space for difficult times.
Another strategy that builds resilience is teaching problem-solving skills. Encouraging them to identify solutions, set goals, and take proactive steps to address their challenges, builds resilience in them. Teach them to break down their problems into manageable steps and to seek guidance from trusted mentors when needed.
In addition, foster community and connection by creating opportunities for them to build strong relationships within the community of faith. Strongly encourage participation in youth group activities, church activities, and community service projects to foster a sense of belonging and support.
Also important to building resilience in youth is promoting self-care and well-being. Teach them how important exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management are to their overall well-being. Encourage them to prioritize the mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical aspects of their lives.
Finally, provide mentorship and guidance. Pair young people with Christian mentors and leaders who can offer guidance, support, and wisdom. Mentors can provide valuable advice, share personal experiences, and offer a listening ear to help young people navigate life challenges. Walking beside young people is a fulfilling and rewarding experience. Support a young person today.