Last night, as Kathy and I were with our Wednesday evening English conversation group, one of the women shared that her son is dealing with depression right now. This happens to be the member of our group that attends our church. This is the third teenager/young adult at our church, in the last six months, that we have heard is dealing with depression. Is this something new? Or has it been happening for a long time and I just haven't heard about it? Maybe it's just because I'm not working with young people any more and I'm "out of the loop." But it's a little disturbing to me.
One of the members of our Wednesday night group is a doctor. Kathy asked her last night what she thought the reason was for the apparent increase in adolescent depression. Her opinion was that young people are spending too much time inside, in front of computer screens, and not enough time with their friends. One of the other young men in our church, that is still recovering from a serious episode last summer, said that his doctor told him he needs to get outside in the fresh air and exercise more. So part of his new daily regime is at least 30 minutes of walking outdoors.
It could be one more reason for us to encourage the young people in our lives to get away from their video screens (whether they be computers or television) and develop spiritual community among their Christian friends.
3 comments:
Amen sister! I am trying to get out myself! I can tell how my own depression comes and goes according to my physical activity.
Even exercising inside helps a lot!
Our pastor recommended a book on depression called "Depression: A Stubborn Darkness--Light for the Path" by Edward T. Welch. I haven't read it yet but he said it was really good.
Thanks, Kari, for the book suggestion. Perhaps I can check it out when I'm home in the fall.
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