It’s no secret that statistically the students of today are experiencing more anxiety than ever before. It is one of the most common threads we see and hear in youth ministry at Never The Same over the last few years. Interestingly enough, in my 30 years of youth ministry I didn’t hear much about student anxiety until around 8-10 years ago.
What I am going to share are my thoughts, not as a trained professional in these areas, but as an observer, pastor and parent.
A few years ago a pastor shared with me that a couple in their church was struggling with stress and anxiety in their students. This family is upper middle class economically, live in a nice neighborhood, and their kids attend a private Christian school. The parents have a healthy marriage and spiritual life, and are regular attendees at their church. For me, they break all the stereotypes of people you would think on the surface that should have no reason to deal with worry. They don’t have financial or physical needs. They never have to worry about a roof over their head or food to eat. They don’t have to worry about their parents splitting up. They don’t have to worry about their school, where they attend a school free of violence or the typical high risk factors. I thought to myself, “What could cause them to be stressed?” I don’t know all the details of this family, but they represent many people today that deal with stress in their lives. Students cite anxiety more and more as a factor in their physical and mental well-being. I won’t diagnose the root causes, but I will offer some thoughts on combating this trend as a parent:
1. Pray WITH your student daily
Let them hear your voice praying for their health and wellness. Pray with them every day in their presence and even outside of their presence. This is the #1 way you can help your students. Prayer works!
2. Pry INTO their personal life
Students often won’t open up to their parents. Find a crack and exploit it (in a good way) to have a deeper conversation about HOW they are doing. You know your student, but be persistent with them. They may not show it and even act annoyed, but have no doubt that your concern for them will not go unnoticed.
3. Speak TRUTH over them
Combat their fears and anxiety with Scriptures to let them know what God says about His children.
Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Romans 12: 1-2 “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Yes, anxiety is real. But God’s power is greater!
Geoff Eckart
CEO & Founder
Never The Same