Hi everyone! Welcome to my fourth blog post! In this blog post I’m going to be going to break down my inquiry question into 3 more sub-questions.
This is my inquiry question.
“What are the positive effects on teenage mental health”
I will first review existing studies and articles talking about how Christianity helps improve overall well-being by providing support. Next, I will explore a Christian practice, attending church. Finally, I will look for real-life stories and testimonies from Christian organizations or mental health professionals that show how faith has positively impacted the mental health of teens. These steps will provide me with a better overall understanding of how Christianity can help struggling teens.
1.Religion can help with mental health(1). As I had mentioned in my previous blog, going to religious events like church on Sundays, prayer meetings, or celebrations at temples can be a good way to connect with others(1). These activities are easy to join and can make you feel better(1). Churches and other places of worship often have support groups or activities that help people with mental health problems and their families(4). These connections can make you feel less alone(3). Each religion has its own ways of helping people, if you grew up in a religion, you might already know prayers or rituals that help you feel better(1). Learning about religions doesn’t mean you have to follow them, but it might give you new ways to deal with your mental health(1). If you’re looking for a place to pray or worship, find a group that is kind and supportive of mental health(1). Tons of people will go to churches searching for a fresh start or change in their lives (3). Many churches participate in great community activities like food banks and fundraisers(4). Some churches are more understanding than others and might offer help for people with mental health issues(1). The most important thing is finding a place where you feel welcome and supported(1).In the end, finding a caring, supportive community can be an important aspect to better mental health.
2. Attending church weekly can benefit your life in many ways, Harvard studies show that participating in spiritual practices during childhood and your youth, like attending church or practicing prayer or meditation, can positively impact health and well-being in early adulthood (2). Analyzing data from over 5,000 youth, the researchers found that those with regular spiritual practices talked about higher life satisfaction, greater happiness, and were less likely to experience depressive symptoms, engage in substance abuse, or get STD’s (2). This information basically verifies the protective effects of religion on mental health and positive behaviours, meaning that encouraging these practices can help shield teenagers from things like depression and drugs(2). However, these studies were for the most part conducted on an upper-class white population so that could slightly affect the results(2).
3.The testimony of Molly Baskette is a very inspirational and moving story. Molly has gone through a lot in her life, like having cancer, losing her brother, and struggling with anxiety, but she still believes in the future of Christianity(5). She thinks the message of Jesus is strong and that the church has an important role to play in today’s messed up world(5).She feels strongly about fighting against discrimination and believes Christians must keep trying for justice, especially for those who are suffering(5). She encourages those with privilege to stand up for others in need(5). Her time at church camp had a big impact on her faith(5). It gave her a sense of belonging and helped her realize she was called to ministry(5). She believes the church should focus on healing and building strong relationships, even when there are disagreements(5). She advises pastors not to think of themselves as saviours, but as people who help their communities heal(5). Although many young people are upset with the church, she believes they still have hope and want the church to do better(5). She encourages people to keep coming together for spiritual practices and believes a time of healing and repair will come(5).
In conclusion, the church can be very helpful for mental health. It gives people a place to feel supported and not alone when they’re having a hard time. With prayer, kind people, and encouragement, the church helps people feel better and find hope.Thanks for reading!
- ( PLEASE EXUSE THIS AS I WAS UNABLE TO CITE MY LINK) https://www.nami.org/your-journey/individuals-with-mental-illness/faith-spirituality/
2.Writer, S. (2024, November 22). Religious upbringing linked to better health and well-being during early adulthood | Harvard T.H. Chan. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/religious-upbringing-adult-health/
4. The role of the Church – local community – Practices in Christianity – GCSE Religious Studies Revision – AQA – BBC Bitesize. (2024, May 13). BBC Bitesize. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/znqck2p/revision/7#:~:text=Churches%20often%20provide%20help%20and,are%20at%20risk%20of%20harm.
5. Waddle, R. (2024, September 4). ‘We have a job to do’: Alum pastor voices spirited faith in. https://divinity.yale.edu/.https://divinity.yale.edu/news/we-have-job-do-alum-pastor-voices-spirited-faith-christianitys-continued-vitality
Hi Rylie,
this is such a great blog post about how Christianity might improve kids’ mental health! You’ve highlighted some essential factors, such as the sense of belonging and support that religious communities bring, which is crucial for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties.
Have you considered researching how churches treat mental health in various cultural or social contexts? Including extra resources, such as helplines or organisations that collaborate closely with faith groups to support mental health, may expand your discussion and provide concrete solutions for people seeking guidance. Great job, and important topic!