Many people don't know a lot about teen depression. There are teens who have a smile on their face outside but inside they are loaded with pain, fear, loneliness and confusion. As a Christian, this is a very important topic for me as many young people today are suffering, but they don't know. I can sometimes picture what it's like to be a teenager and feel rejected, unlovable, hopeless, and make it seem like you're normal.
I have learned that depressed teens do not just require correction and advice. They must be loving, patient, listen to them, and care for them. Of some of them, there are those who are fighting battles that they cannot explain. The Bible tells us to be kind when we are comforting others. The Bible tells us in Psalm 34:18 that, “The Lord is near unto them that are of a broken heart.” This verse to me is a reminder that God does not leave those who are hurting emotionally.
Teen depression happens when a teen has family issues, is bullied, feels the pressure of social media, is a failure, or feels unwanted. I think that parents, teachers and church members should be less harsh with younger people. In a kind word can be mended a broken heart. The Bible states “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
We shouldn't poke fun at the teen who is depressed, or tell him or her that he or she is weak.In this, let Christians not mock or tell the depressed teen that he or she is weak. Instead, we should pray for them, be near them, remind them that there is value in their lives. Jesus was very concerned about broken hearts. Jesus invites us to come to Him, all who are burdened, in Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden.”
Finally, patience, understanding, prayer and love are necessary when it comes to depressed teens. A single caring conversation can save a life, I believe. The youth should be taught that God loves them, and that there are better days to come in their future.