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Disturbing Decline in Teen Mental Health—What Does the Bible Say?

Disturbing Decline in Teen Mental Health—What Does the Bible Say?

 On Monday, February 13, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States released a report on the mental health of U.S. teens. It noted that over 40 percent of high school students experienced persistent sadness and hopelessness.

 “Although we have seen worsening trends in mental health for young people over the last 10 years,” stated Dr. Kathleen Ethier, director of CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH), “the levels of poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors reported by teenage girls are now higher than we have ever seen.”

 The report noted:

  •   More than 1 in 10 teen girls (14 percent) have been forced to have sex when they did not want to. “This is truly alarming” stated Dr. Ethier. “For every 10 teenage girls you know, at least one of them, and probably more, has been raped.”

  •   Nearly 1 in 3 teen girls (30 percent) seriously considered attempting suicide.

  •   Nearly 3 in 5 teen girls (57 percent) felt persistently sad or hopeless.

 These statistics are truly heartbreaking. Youth should be a time of joy and happiness. What can help teens cope with the stress that they face today? What does the Bible say?

The Bible offers teens practical help

 The Bible realistically describes the stressful times we are living in today. It calls them “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) However, the Bible offers timeless advice that is helping millions of teens worldwide to successfully cope despite the challenges they face. Consider the following Bible-based articles.

 Help for teens dealing with suicidal feelings

 Help for teens dealing with depression, sadness, or negative emotions

 Help for teens dealing with bullying or cyberbullying

 Help for teens dealing with sexual harassment and assault

The Bible offers practical advice for parents

 The Bible also offers practical advice to assist parents so that they can help their teens cope with life’s challenges. Consider the following Bible-based articles.