The Ocean & Mental Health

September is Mental Health Awareness Month. Some people may think this is just another “cause” they have put on our yearly calendar. However, for others, this is something they walk in every day. Since I teach high schoolers (ages 14-19), I decided to ask them the following questions. 

1. How is your mental health? 1-10 (1 being “I have no anxiety or depression” to 10 being “I battle with this daily”)

2. What words would you use to describe your mental health right now or mental health in general? 

I put their responses below. 

Most of their answers were typical teenage responses, “I have anxiety when I take tests, before a game, or when I get in front of a crowd.” But other responses were raw and real. 

Doctors and researchers know that mental health is at a critical level for young people. So much so that hundreds of studies have been conducted. One study by the Barna Research group found the following:

Well before the pandemic hit, Barna research—as well as others’—finds that young people, namely Millennials and Gen Z, are more likely than generations that came before to report battling with mental health issues. In research conducted for The Connected Generation, Barna’s largest-ever study, data show that half of U.S. 18–35-year-olds (49%) expressed anxiety over important decisions and were afraid to fail. Over three in 10 said they often felt sad or depressed (39%) or lonely and isolated from others (34%).

People have all kinds of advice or ways to help someone overcome anxiety and depression. Here are some:

• “You just need to pray more”

• “You need to have more faith”

• “Trust God”

• “Be grateful”

• “Just let it go”

• “Stop dwelling on things” 

• “I just try to be positive and think on the good things” 

• “You’re just being emotional. It will go away.”

The list goes on and on. While the people who share advice mean well, they are not very helpful to someone who struggles with mental health issues. It can even make it worse. So, why do I even talk about this? Because this is me. I have battled anxiety and depression for many years, without most people ever knowing. I am very thankful for a few women who pray for me consistently and without judgment. Based on my personal journey, there are a few things that can help people who struggle. 

• Hugs 

• A sweet text of encouragement

• An invitation to get out and do something 

• A smile 

• A prayer for healing

For me, it is like being in the ocean. I can see Jesus standing on the shore. I know Him and He knows me. There are people swimming around me and we are having a good time. Out of nowhere a wave comes, and it catches me off guard. The thing is, I know how to swim. I know what I need to do to stay safe, but for the life of me I cannot move. The wave crashes over me and takes me under. I can’t catch my breath and my hands and feet go numb. I feel helpless, hopeless, and afraid. I still see Jesus, but I just can’t get to Him. Everyone else is swimming in, and I am still out too far. The waves keep coming and they won’t stop. I try and focus on Him. He is my Savior. Sometimes I cry when this happens. Other days, there are no tears left to fall. So I do my best to hold on. 

When I talk to or mentor teenagers, many of them share their struggles with me. Most of them are just normal teenage issues – school drama, friends, family, jobs, school work, etc. However, there are a few that are in the midst of a battle right now. For them and others, there comes a time when you need to seek medical advice. I also believe talking to someone or some form of counseling is crucial. I also know this. You do not have to have some major trauma in your life to be anxious or depressed. I came from the most loving home. My parents spoiled me with words of affirmation and acts of service. I was never abused or mistreated. Actually, I was LOVED unconditionally and had the best parents in the world. I am so blessed to have my mom living beside me. She will celebrate 85 years young this year and I am so very thankful for her teaching me about Christ when I was very young. I have the BEST family in the world. I married my high school sweetheart and this year we will celebrate 34 years of marriage. Our four children, 2 daughter-in-laws, and son-in-law are happy, healthy, and thriving in this stage of their lives. I could not be MORE blessed or proud of each of them and what God is doing in their lives. And yet here I am. 

My challenge to you (and myself) is to be sensitive to others. You do not need to “fix” the problem. Just be present for people. Check in on them. Pray for them. There are people in this world that are hurting behind a bright and cheerful smile. They carry burdens, worries, and anxiety that weighs their spirits down so much. I pray that God will give us His eyes to see them, tender hearts to love them, and gentle words to let them know they are not alone no matter how high those waves hit us. 

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