One of the largest issues of the modern world is depression in teenagers. A good number of the youths are silently suffering, despite their appearance of being okay. They laugh, make photographs and attend school yet inside their hearts, they are empty and hopeless.
This topic has entered my mind, and when I chose to study it and reflect on this matter, I understood how serious it is and how much love and understanding we need to show to depressed teens. It is not so much about advising, it is about restoring peace, hope, and light of God in them.
Lots of adolescents become depressed because of various reasons. There are those who are estranged by their families or friends. Others are bullied at school or over the Web. Others make comparisons of their life with what they observe in the social media and begin the thinking that they are not satisfactory.
I once engaged in a conversation with one of my friends who was about to give up since he believed that nobody cared about him. It taught me that all a depressed teenager may require is just a person to listen without judging. In Proverbs 18: 24, the Bible explains that there is a friend who will be closer than a brother. That is the kind of friend we ought to be as Christians; one who listens and cares.
The other cause of teen depression is the pressure to be good. A good number of the youths feel that they need to be flawless when at school, in sports, or appearance wise. When they do not do something, they consider that they are losers in life. But the thing is that even the most powerful men experience difficult moments.
The Bible in Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. This implies that no life is too heavy that there is no hope in Jesus Christ. Depressed teens should be reminded that their value is not grades and achievements but the love of God.
The parents and guardians also play a significant role in addressing the depressed teens. Other parents fail to realize when their child is not okay due to lack of time. There are those who believe that depression is nothing but laziness or bad behavior. However, it is not an illusion; depression is a painful emotional and spiritual experience that should be taken care of and comprehended.
The parents ought to establish a non-violent house where children feel free to discuss their issues. According to Ephesians 6:4 the bible says, fathers, we are not to provoke our children to anger, but rather raise them up in the discipline and teaching of the Lord. This does not imply that parents should show the kids the right way through beating. At times, a teen is in need not of correction but compassion.
I have been informed that the most effective manner of assisting a depressed teenager would be to bring them nearer to God. The darkness introduced by depression is overcome by the light that is introduced by God through his word. Faith starts growing again when we read Bible, pray and give testimonies.
The role of church is also very strong. Teens are supposed to be invited to attend fellowship groups where they would get true friends to support and pray with them. According to Psalm 34: 18, the Lord is near broken hearts and he rescues the spiritually broken. This verse helps us to realize that God does not leave any one alone when he is hurting.
Being members of MCGI (Members Church of God International), we are taught to love and to take care of weak or sad people. In my opinion, by listening to the young ones, it is possible to avoid many cases of depression as they are listened to by every member of the church. We are able to visit them, send good morale messages, and invite them in church meetings. At other times, even a small gesture can restore the affection of a depressed teenager.
On top of that, teens themselves should open up. I understand that it is not very easy to speak when you have some pain inside but it is even worse when you do not talk. Telling a trusted person, a parent or a church worker what you are feeling may ease your burden. 1 Peter 5:7 states: cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares about you. This verse instructs us to pour our hearts to God since He listens and knows even what we cannot say.
To sum up, depressed teens are not a joke to work with. It takes time, affection and spiritual direction. Their feelings should not be mocked and neglected. We should instead demonstrate to them that life is not yet as bad and that God has a plan with them. Any teenager must be aware that he or she is special, that he or she was created with purpose and that God loves him or her more than he / she could ever imagine.
Going through this subject I am also motivated to be kinder and more mindful of the people around me. One can overcome depression with faith, love and understanding. We should not forget the verse in the book of Romans 15:13, where we hear that the God of hope should fill you with all joy and peace when you believe in him. Even then the blackest heart may lighten up when we believe in God and walk in His love.
