Support And Mental Health Advice For Christian Teenagers
National statistics state that 1 in 5 young people aged between 8 and 25 live with a mental health condition, as issues such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders all surge within this demographic.
And it’s easy to understand why.
Young people under the age of 25 have the weight of the world resting figuratively on your shoulders; you’re living through an ongoing and seemingly never ending cost of living crisis here in the UK, multiple ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East, online bullying, significant barriers to the job market, increasing reliance on AI, as well as the usual, very normal and daily challenges we all typically experience around identity, social status and simply wanting to fit in when we’re young.
What’s more, the lack of youth groups and services for young people create a significant gap in communication, social interaction and the opportunity to access support as you need it.
And, although unfortunately, we can’t close the very real services gap ourselves, we can offer some practical, real and useful mental health advice for Christian teenagers looking for a little guidance when things get tough.
Mental Health Advice For Christian Teenagers
Prayer Is Powerful: Prayer is powerful and, although a single prayer will never solve all of your problems overnight, putting them into words, trusting God, and acknowledging that you have a problem or some challenges you need to overcome is the first step to healing. If you ask God for his love, help and support, he will answer you, and if you set the intention to heal any mental health problems you’re experiencing, you will eventually overcome or learn to manage them. Healing from a mental health condition is not a sprint, it’s a marathon – it takes time, patience and action. Prayer can be your first real action.
Strength In Numbers: the bible teaches us, in verses such as Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, that strength comes in numbers: “two are better than one”. As such, it’s important that – especially during times of struggle – you surround yourself with the people that you love and who care for you, and you talk to them about how you’re feeling, even if it feels scary. The bible is full of stories centred around the importance of community, of shared connection, of love and patience; your friends, loved ones, and family members will help you in your time of need. You just need to ask.
God Loves You: This is a really important one, and something you should carry with you at all times – God loves you. He loves you as a Father loves his son, and he will never give up on you. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – so, no matter how bad things get, how alone you feel, or how difficult the road ahead may look, remember that – even if you don’t love yourself in this moment, God loves you and you are so very special.
Turn To The Bible: as mentioned in one of the points above, the bible is full of stories centred around love, patience, community and resilience; and it’s also full of advice & guidance on how to manage anxiety, overwhelm, loss, betrayal, and everything in between. So, when you feel those negative thoughts begin to creep in… try reading a passage or 2 of your bible, it may help comfort you or calm you during a particularly difficult moment in time.
Talk To The Ones You Love: never stop talking to the people you care about and the ones you trust. They say a problem shared is a problem halved and, if they know about it, they can help you overcome or manage it. Approach a trusted adult and have a frank, honest conversation about your feelings. It could make a world of difference.
Remember, You Are Not Alone: So many of us across the entire globe – 1 in 7 or 1.2 billion people – live with a mental health condition, regardless of age. Remember, you are not alone and you’re not the first or only person to experience this. There are others like you, and that means that there is support available to you: counseling, NHS services, community groups, charity signposting, GP services… it’s all out there and it’s all available to you. And, although it may feel nervewracking, scary or upsetting to take the plunge and make that phone call, submit that enquiry form or send that email to start your healing journey and access the support you need, it will end up being worth it.
Something To Take Away
Please don’t stay silent and struggle in isolation; talk to a trusted family member, friend, teacher… anyone you know you can trust and who cares about your wellbeing. They will be able to help or, at the very least, put you in touch with someone who can.
Mental health struggles are incredibly common and help is out there. You just need to ask for it.
For anyone aged 11-18 in the UK, reading this and struggling with a mental health condition, Mind offers some helpful advice for young people of this age range: https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/ – whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone else, they can help.
And, please remember:
- God loves you
- You are not alone
Related articles: Bible Verses For When Life Gets Overwhelming
Youth Hub: C4L Youth Hub For Young People Under 25
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