Why an anxious generation needs more than therapy

Source: The Wave Clinic

There has been a noticeable increase in discussion of mental health – especially among the young generation.  To what extent this is the product of real or actual increases in cases of acute anxiety and depression over time or, alternatively, the result of greater attention, awareness, diagnosis and acknowledgment of mental health is not clear. However, I suspect that it is a bit of both.  

Why might there be a generalised increase in symptoms among the ‘millennials’?  Received wisdom and research seems to suggest a multiplicity of factors including heightened uncertainty, precarious employment, housing affordability, social media stress, smartphones among other factors. While I do not claim expertise on all these matters I can confirm, based on my own doctoral research some 20 years ago, that social connectedness is a strong contributor to human satisfaction (and by implication mental health).  While specific evidence on the positive impacts of ‘religion’ is mixed the weight of evidence is that belonging, connection and purpose associated with religious affiliation have generally positive impacts. That is quite apart from the benefits of belief in a higher being and the hope of eternal life and communion with God.

Now, I cannot claim to know the best path for anyone other than myself but I am convinced that faith is not only a legitimate option for young people but one that ought to be experienced as a living encounter with the living God and with others.

One way of ‘testing the waters’ so to speak is for people experiencing particular challenges to remain in silence in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Even for someone unsure about faith, there is little to lose and much to gain by remaining open to the possibility that God is real.  What would be wrong with a silent sigh along the lines of ‘if You are there help me!’ or ‘I would like to believe in you – help!’

It seems to me that a stronger sense of belonging, purpose, identity and a hope in the saving grace of Jesus Christ is a way forward. Millions have testified to it and our ancestors gave their lives for it.  We have a remarkable inheritance. Let’s not waste this precious life of ours.