Concerning the Increase of Mental Health Problems Among Our Youth

• Lack of a Biblical Foundation – Without a strong spiritual and moral foundation, many young people feel lost and without purpose, leading to increased depression and anxiety. Many youth of today have never stepped inside of a church.
• Negative Cultural Influences – Schools, social media, and entertainment bombard youth with messages that promote fear, hopelessness, and nihilism, contributing to their emotional distress. Bullying, sexual abuse, body image comparison, and an absent father add to the crisis of our youth.
• Social Media and Technology Addiction – The rise of smartphone dependency and social media has isolated young people, increasing loneliness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. No youth under 16 should own a smartphone with access to the internet.
• Absence of Strong Church Leadership – Many pastors and church leaders are failing to address the real struggles young people face because it is controversial, leaving them without the biblical guidance and hope they desperately need.
• Family Breakdown and Poor Role Models – A weakening family structure, absent fathers, and a lack of strong Christian mentors leave youth without the support they need to develop emotional stability.
• Fear of the Future – Many young people are being taught in public education that the world is in crisis, that their future is bleak, and that they have no control over their lives. This hopelessness leads to despair and suicidal thoughts.
• Damage to the Mitochondria in the Brain – Recent scientific research has shown that highly-processed foods, poisons sprayed on our food, and other nutritional factors are damaging our brain mitochondria, leading to chemical imbalances and depression. Many youth can be helped by changing their diets and eating healthier foods.