One of the great issues we observe in the world today is depression in teens. Most youths are emotionally hurt due to school pressure, family pressures, heartbreaks or even social media. They are not able to describe how they feel at times and this makes it worse. When I reflect on this subject matter, I realize that it is subject to love, patience and wisdom. Adolescents should have individuals who can mentor them, not condemn them. They have to have one person to hear their silent scream.
First, listening to the depressed teens is one of the most effective approaches of assisting them. In most cases, they only want someone who will not judge them. Listening and comforting people is what the Bible teaches us. The Bible provides that in James 1:19 it states, Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This makes me remember that we should listen first then speak. We must avoid advising a teen immediately when he or she discusses his/her problems. Being there is sometimes all that is needed.
The other significant measure is to express love. One of the cause of some teens being depressed is lack of love. They experience loneliness, misinterpretation or being rejected. According to the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13: 7, love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Teenagers feel safe to express themselves when they know that somebody loves them. Even little gestures of love are capable of healing their hearts. Even such a simple statement as I want you to know that I am here for you can be very difference-making.
Incentive is also very potent. A number of depressed adolescents are hopeless. They believe that they will never get out of their problems. But we can make them aware that God has plans with them. In Jeremiah 29: 11, the Bible states, For I know the plans I have towards you, plans to provide you with hope and future. Any troubled mind is empowered by this verse. Whenever talking to emotionally hurt individuals, I attempt to remind them that God loves them. They are not alone.
Spiritual guidance of depressed teens should also be facilitated. We can make them be closer to God. Depression tends to render individuals hollow. But Jesus Christ gives peace. In Matthew 11: 28 he has said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy burdened, and I will rest you. In case a teen has been depressed, he or she should be taught to pray, read the Bible, and attend fellowship so that they can be comforted. In my opinion, spiritual development provides some peace which the world cannot provide.
The other thing that we should remember is to ask somebody when it is necessary. At times depression may be severe. We might require the services of counselors, doctors or mental health professionals in such instances. This does not imply that we do not have faith in God. It only implies that God bestowed knowledge to people to assist others. That is why, it may be a good step to make a teen speak to a professional.
Finally, we have to establish a calm and favorable environment. Harsh words should be avoided by parents, guardians and friends. On the contrary, they ought to promote open communication. Adolescents are expected to be free of fear when speaking.
To sum everything up, work with depressed teens is an activity, which needs love, attention, and the guidance of God. They need to be heard, loved, encouraged, aided in their spiritual life, and professional assistance must be sought where necessary. Our task as Christians is to be compassionate, as Christ. We can assist them to get hope by patience and prayers.
Depression is a really terrible state for a teenager to be in. Parents should endeavor to be there for them in need
You are absolutely right
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