The Journal of
Abnormal Psychology has analyzed and compiled more than a decade of data
from the National Survey on Drugs and
Health, a large representative survey of 600,000 adults and adolescents
administered by the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. The Journal published
its findings March 14, 2019:
·
The researchers found rates of depression and
serious psychological distress as well as suicidal ideation, plans, and
attempts, and deaths by suicides have all increased since the mid-2000s. They
also found the increases were primarily driven by adolescents and young adults
ages 25 and younger, with a more pronounced increase among girls.
·
Major depression among 20- to 21-year-olds more
than doubled, from 7 percent to 15 percent, from 2009 to 2015. In a similar
time frame, depression among 16- to 17-year-olds increased by 69 percent, and
serious psychological distress among 18- to 25-year-olds jumped by 71 percent.
Twice as many 22- to 23-year-olds attempted suicide in 2017 compared to 2008.
By 2017, 1 in 5 teens ages 12 to 17 had experienced major depression in the
previous year. https://world.wng.org/content/teens_in_crisis
The extent and consistency of these findings should sound an
alarm that something is terribly wrong, but how do we explain it so that we can
address the problem? Many explanations have been offered, but there is little agreement.
Here are some of the suggestions along with their drawbacks:
·
A Troubled Economy with Diminished Job Prospects
– However, the economy has been improving.
·
Substance Abuse – However, among adolescents and
teens, there has been a steady decrease.
·
Academic Pressure – However, teens are spending
less time with their homework than in the 1900s.
·
Greater Likelihood to Express Mental Health
Concerns – However, suicides have also correspondingly increased during this
same period.
·
Electronic Devices, Social Media, and Direct Social
Isolation – While there is a correlation between these and depression, the
question remains, “What is causing this correlation. Are teens resorting to
indirect forms of communication because of underlying problems?”
However, there is another factor closely correlated with the
escalating rates of depression and suicide – the rejection of Christianity. As
the percentage of atheism, alternative lifestyles, sexual confusion, and the “nones”
has risen, so too has these maladies.
While much of society rejects this equation, many have confidently
testified that Jesus has changed their lives. Can we explain this change in a
psychological and natural way as opposed to invoking the supernatural? I think
that, to some degree, we can. Think about the impact of these beliefs:
·
If we know that we are beloved by the Source of
all truth, morality, and meaning, we will not be so fearful about peer
acceptance. Consequently, we will be able to engage more confidently. We can
also be transparent.
·
If we know that we are forgiven of all of our
sins and moral failures, are freed from incredible psychological burdens that
weigh us down. We also do not need to prove ourselves worthy or to engage in
self-harm, knowing that Jesus has already paid the price for our sins.
·
If we are convinced that a blissful eternity
awaits us, we need not be weighed down by our less than optimal circumstances,
jealousies, and resentments.
·
We need not be unforgiving or resentful of those
who hurt us, because we know that God is just, and He will avenge. Therefore,
we are privileged to be able to love our enemies.
·
We need not be consumed with our weaknesses,
because we know that God’s strengths are greater than our weaknesses and
failure.
All of this knowledge is very freeing as Jesus had promised:
“You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you
will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, NLT2)
However, many do not remain faithful to His teachings.
Instead of continuing with Jesus, they allow themselves to be carried away by
the temptations for immediate gratification, peer approval, impatience, or by
persecutions (Matthew 13).
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