According to a new book, the number of young people struggling with mental health issues has steadily increased over the last 80 years.
Generation Me suggests that demographic shifts toward more independent, less family-oriented lives has led to the upswing in unhappiness. Its author, sociologist Jean Twenge, believes that our current preoccupations with ‘money, fame and image’ are likely to be contributing to our sense of malaise.
A recent World Health Organisation report found that 15-year-olds in England and Wales were among the least satisfied in European and Western groups.
Ask your young people to rate their current satisfaction levels from one (unsatisfied) to ten (completely satisfied). Ask:
- Are there any situations that raise or lower your satisfaction levels?
- Is there a person or activity that makes you feel happier?
A 13-year-old recently told an NSPCC counsellor: ‘I hate myself. When I look at other girls online posting photos of themselves it makes me feel really worthless and ugly. I’m struggling to cope with these feelings and stay in my bedroom most of the time.’
Ask your young people if they identify with this or whether they know anyone who may feel like this. Ask:
- Does social media make us more aware of our own flaws?
- Do you struggle with feelings of jealousy / insecurity?
- How can you feel more comfortable in your own skin?
According to the Association of School and College Leaders and the National Children’s Burea, 79 per cent of teachers have seen a rise in self-harm or suicidal thoughts among pupils. Share this statistic and sensitively ask:
- At your lowest moments, have you ever considered hurting yourself?
- Is there anything that could stop you feeling like that?
- How could other people help?
Read Zephaniah 3:17 to your young people and ask:
- Have you ever considered God singing over you?
- Does hearing how God feels about you make you feel any different about yourself?
- What can you do to make yourself believe these words?
- Is there anyone else you need to share these words with?
Take some time to pray for your young people – particularly for those who are struggling with these issues. You could also encourage the group to pray for any friends who are suffering in this area.
