INTRODUCTION

The alarming increase in the number of teenagers being diagnosed with depression is a cause for concern. In this issue of Awake!, we offer suggestions to help teens and their parents cope with this challenging issue.

The Bible provides wisdom and guidance for those struggling with depression. Parents can find comfort and support by helping their children implement these biblical principles.

One of the most important steps is to establish a close relationship with God through prayer and study of His word. The Bible encourages us to “trust in Jehovah with all thy heart” (Proverbs 3:5) and to “pour out your heart before Him” (Psalm 62:8).

Parents can also provide emotional support by being good listeners and understanding the unique challenges that their children face. They can encourage their children to express their feelings and thoughts and offer comfort and reassurance.

Teens themselves can also find comfort and support by developing a close relationship with God and seeking out positive activities and friendships. The Bible encourages us to “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4).

Together, with the help of God and the support of loving parents and friends, teens can overcome the challenges of depression and find hope and joy in their lives.

WHY TEEN DEPRESSION, AND WHO CAN HELP?

Anna describes her depression as a feeling of worthlessness, while Julia says it made her feel like she was losing her mind. Sadly, their experiences are not uncommon. Depression among young people is increasing at an alarming rate. The World Health Organization reports that depression is “the predominant cause of illness and disability for both boys and girls aged 10 to 19 years.”

What causes teen depression? The WHO explains that “depression results from a complex interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors.” Some possible physical risk factors include cardiovascular disease, hormone level changes, and substance abuse. Chronic stress can also cause or exacerbate depression. This stress could be caused by parental divorce, the death of a loved one, or bullying. Parents should be on the lookout for signs of depression, such as changes in their child’s eating habits or social interactions, as well as suicidal thoughts or actions.

For moderate to severe depression, mental-health professionals often prescribe medication and counseling. However, there are also lifestyle changes that can help manage depression. These changes include getting sufficient sleep, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet. Recording thoughts and feelings in a journal can also be helpful. But perhaps the most significant change one can make is to address their spiritual need. Jesus Christ said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need” (Matthew 5:3). Spiritual activities can help teens focus on other people and provide them with a positive view of the future.

The Bible promises that God “will wipe out every tear from [our] eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore” (Revelation 21:4). This promise provides comfort and reassurance to those struggling with depression. To learn more about God’s purpose for mankind and the earth, please visit us at jw.org.

Parents can help by recognizing that depressed teens may have trouble expressing their feelings or understanding what is happening to them. They should take comments or hints regarding suicide seriously, and consider getting a professional diagnosis if they suspect depression. Parents should also help their teen adhere to the doctor’s prescribed treatment, and maintain good communication with them. A “first-aid kit” for emotions can be helpful in managing depression. It could include contact information for people to call when feeling down, positive and upbuilding music and literature, and a list of comforting sayings from the Bible.

Depression in teenage girls appears to be higher than in boys. Factors that may contribute to this include emotional, physical, or sexual harassment or abuse, as well as media portrayals of the “ideal” body. Girls may also be overly concerned about peer approval. Parents should be especially aware of signs of depression in their daughters.

The Bible’s Perspective on Physical Beauty

What is a healthy attitude toward physical beauty? Appreciating beauty is a mysterious aspect of the human brain. Although the Bible does not explain how it works, it does reveal why we have an aesthetic sense. God created us in his image, and he created the complex human body with amazing form and function. The Psalmist wrote, “I praise you [God] because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14, ASV)

However, in today’s society, attitudes toward physical beauty have become unbalanced due to the fashion industry and popular media. Many Western cultures have found that body image is the most crucial factor in a person’s overall self-image. Yet, this narrow focus neglects what is more important—the inner person. “For man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, ASV)

Hand in hand with the focus on the body is growing overemphasis on sexuality, particularly that of women. According to a report by the American Psychological Association (APA), virtually every media form studied “provides ample evidence of the sexualization of women.” The Bible firmly encourages us to avoid being influenced by such trends, as they can lead to negative emotional consequences. “Put to death, therefore, your earthly desires: sexual sin, impurity, lust, evil passions, and greed (which is idolatry). Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5-6, ASV)

The Bible advises that our adornment should not be external, but rather the secret person of the heart, which is of great value in the eyes of God. (1 Peter 3:3-4, ASV) Having a balanced view of physical beauty is wise, as adolescent and preadolescent girls may view themselves as objects of others’ desires to be evaluated for their appearance. Such thinking can cause anxiety, eating disorders, low self-esteem, depression, or even self-disgust. “Remove vexation from your heart and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 11:10, ASV)

The Bible associates “soundness of mind” with modesty, which means having a healthy, balanced view of oneself. Modest people are not superficial or vain, obsessing about their looks, but rather they consider the feelings of others and thus earn admiration, respect, and God’s favor. Inner beauty truly is ageless and can improve with time. “Gray hair is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31, ASV) The Bible’s superior advice encourages us to focus on the inner person, which is the key not only to lasting beauty but also to dignity and contentment. “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Jehovah, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30, ASV)

In many cultures, there is an unhealthy emphasis on body image and sexuality, but the Bible offers us a balanced and healthy perspective on physical beauty.

The Gift of Your Smile

When someone gifts you with a radiant smile, how do you react? Most likely, you respond with a smile of your own. And it’s likely that you feel happier as well. Genuine smiles, whether from friends or strangers, are contagious and stir up positive feelings. Magdalena, a woman whose husband had a warm smile, said, “When our eyes met, I felt relaxed and secure.”

A sincere smile reflects positive emotions such as joy, happiness, and pleasure. According to an article in Observer, an online journal of the Association for Psychological Science, “smiling… seems built into our nature.” The article further states that even newborns can accurately interpret facial expressions. People not only derive useful information from smiles but also utilize this knowledge to direct their behavior.

Harvard University researchers studied a group of elderly patients and their responses to the facial expressions of healthcare providers. The researchers found that when the caregivers’ facial expressions were perceived as more warm, caring, concerned, and empathetic, the patients felt more satisfied and their physical and mental well-being improved. Conversely, when caregivers’ nonverbal communications distanced them from patients, the opposite was true.

Smiling can also benefit the one who smiles. Studies suggest that smiling can increase confidence and happiness and reduce feelings of stress. Frowning, in comparison, may have the opposite effect.

“Smiles Boosted My Morale”

Jennifer, who is a Christian, was in a school that was filled with many unkind youths. “At times, the girls would hurl slurs at us and say the most hateful things on social media,” she recalled. “But they had no control over our facial expressions. Just seeing my friends and sister smile boosted my morale and strengthened my resolve to endure.”

Perhaps life’s anxieties make it difficult for you to smile. However, remember that feelings are usually preceded by thoughts (Proverbs 15:15; Philippians 4:8, 9). So, even though it may be challenging, try to dwell on positive and pleasant things whenever possible. Many people have found that reading the Bible and praying have helped them to do just that (Matthew 5:3; Philippians 4:6, 7). In fact, the words “happy” and “joy” and their derivatives appear hundreds of times in the Bible. Why not read a page or two each day? You may find that you smile more often.

Don’t wait for others to smile at you. Take the initiative and add a little joy to someone else’s day. Remember, your smile is a divine gift that enriches both you and those who see it. The Bible even uses figurative language to describe God as smiling. Psalm 119:135 states, “Make your face smile [approvingly] upon your servant.”