SUICIDE, DEPRESSION: ADDRESSING LIFE’S PROBLEMS

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).