I recently read about a new study from San Diego State University that determined that American young adults are feeling more stressed, anxious, and depressed than their parents or grandparents did. The study analyzed data from more than 63,000 high school and college students between the years 1938 and 2007. Researchers found that 85% of college students were worse off, mentally, than their forebears in the 1930s and ’40s, even though students in those days were dealing with the Great Depression and World War II. Lead researcher Jean Twenge explained, “When you talk about generational change–as this study does–it’s really about changes in the culture…These results suggest that as American culture has increasingly valued extrinsic and self-centered goals such money and status, while increasingly devaluing community, affiliation, and finding meaning in life, the mental health of American youth has suffered.”
Take some time this month before classes start back up to evaluate what’s important to you, to reflect on what you value. Are you putting your trust in the temporary things of this world, or the eternal things of another? Are you pursuing status, money, and recognition for yourself or contentment, relationships, and growth? If you have the opportunity, visit your grandparents, older neighbors, or a local nursing home or veterans’ hospital in your area. Listen to their stories; learn from their lives. Then set some goals for yourself for the upcoming year. You don’t have to be swept along in the tide of our frayed culture. Go against the flow this year, and choose to live in peace, trust, and joy, not stress, anxiety, and depression. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).
Happy New Year!
abcnews.com, 12/10/09 stats