Teens are facing increasing amounts of stress. A USA Today study found that basically 6 in 10 teens are stressed out. Unofficially (meaning I can't find a reliable published source but I have heard) teens today face as much stress, worry and anxiety as patients who were admitted to mental hospitals in the 1950's. I know first hand from coaching two sports and leading a Youth Group that teenagers (especially girls) are stressed, worried and anxious. Jesus has the answer (as He always does). I delivered a Sunday School lesson this morning to the Teens of The Open Door Church from Matthew 6:25-34. It seemed to be well received by the teens and I wanted to share some thoughts on my blog.
Things Worry Cannot Do:
1.) Add an hour to our life or an inch to our height.
2.) Provide Clothing, Food or Shelter
3.) Make us happier, healthier or safer
4.) Protect our loved ones
5.) Solve any of our problems
Things Worry Can Do:
1.) Be a motivator to take action
That's it. Worry is not productive. It serves no purpose. The only positive thing that worry can do is inspire us to take action to solve some problems. I am worried about my weight and health so I exercise and try to eat a better diet. I am worried about an upcoming test so now I am motivated to study.
How can we help the teens in our lives to overcome worry?
Use Philippians 4:4-8
1.) "Rejoice in the Lord." My version says "Rejoice in the Lord. Again, I will say Rejoice."
2.) Realize the Lord is near. I told the teens that I would have no problem walking the roughest, toughest streets in America if I was with John Cena, The Rock and Chuck Norris. I am safe as long as they are near. It is so much more comforting to know that the Lord is always near.
3.) Pray
4.) Be Thankful
5.) "Let your request be made known to God."
6.) Dwell/Meditate/Think on the Right Things. Be in control of your mind. Think and dwell on positive, good thoughts
A few practical steps to help teens overcome worry.
1.) Exercise. Walk, jog, play a sport, whatever it is, just get moving.
2.) Leave the negative stressful situation behind. Get away for an hour and circle back later to what is causing the stress and anxiety.
3.) Serve someone else. Get the focus off the teen and help them go and make someone else's day better.
4.) Give a gift. Bringing some joy to others has a way of lifting our spirits.
5.) Get them away from worried or negative people. Spend time with uplifting, positive people.
6.) Practice positive and realistic self talk.
7.) Talk to someone who loves you. That can be us. Teachers, coaches, leaders, parents and friends can help to focus a teenager on the positives in life and help them re-center their emotions
8.) Seek professional help. Nothing to be ashamed of. Sometimes our mental health situations need professional help.
Teens and Young Adults are stressed, anxious and worried. Don't believe me? Come hang out with my Youth Group or Basketball team (especially around finals week). We can help them de-stress and cope with what they are facing.
