Taking Anxiety Among Students Seriously

Anxiety and depression is a growing issue among high school and college students. I recently read the results of an annual survey of students.   The study by the American College Health Association found a significant increase in the number of undergraduate students reporting “overwhelming anxiety” within the last year.  The numbers grew from 50% in 2011 to 62% in 2016.  As a point of comparison, in 1985 only 18% percent indicated they had experienced “overwhelming anxiety.”  It is not just college students who are experiencing the pressure.  Depression and anxiety is common among high school and middle students as well.

Anxiety has always been a risk as young people develop.  It happens as they experience academic and social issues, but there are certain factors that have caused the increase.

The pressure to be successful in the classroom: An increasing number of high school students are taking advance placement (AP) classes that require more intense study.  It is important to remember that AP courses are not for everyone.  Most colleges are looking well rounded students, rather than those who will only be successful in the classroom.

Social media: In the past conflicts and personal issues were usually kept private with only a small circle of friends and family aware of what was happening.  With social media those matters might be out there for the whole world to view.

Over-scheduling: Many students are juggling a demanding academic load with extra-curricular activities like music, drama and sports.  Ten to twelve hour school days are not uncommon among active students.  That lives little time for relaxing and personal time. 

Lack of Sleep: Experts note that a typical teen should get nine hours of sleep each night.  A typical teen often functions on between seven hours and eight hours sleep on school nights.  Less sleep not only hinders performance but affects their mood.

Parents and other who relate to teens and young adults need to be pro-active in helping students deal with the pressure.  Some ways to do that are:

Being aware of mood and behavioral changes and addressing them. 

Be available to listen on their schedule.  When a teen or young adult wants to talk it is important to seize that moment, even if it does not fit our schedule.

Emphasize confession and absolution: Most teens are aware of their shortcomings and brokenness.  We need to help them focus on their Baptism and the daily renewal that is available to those who view themselves as God’s child.

Help them understand the importance of mediation: Provide them with the resource to rest in God’s presence during the few quiet moments that they have during the day.

Perhaps the most effective way to address the issue is to model healthy living ourselves.  Mediation, Bible study and prayer should be a part of our daily schedule.  We also need to take time for recreation.  We also need to be individuals who are quick to forgive and practice grace. 

Is Following Your Passion Always Good Career Advice?

“Follow your passion.”  How often have we heard that advice directed to a young person who is about to graduate from high school?  The premise is that if your find something you are excited about, then studying becomes easier.  While on the surface that might seem logical, it is not always practical.  The fields of veterinary medicine or marine biology are good examples.  Students who have pets and enjoy being around animals might see a career working with them in their future.  The reality is getting into veterinary school is difficult and there is not a huge demand for marine biologists. 

During my years as a high school counselor I sent some of my classroom time teaching a class called Careers.  The class was required for juniors during their first semester.  The curriculum took students through the process of exploring career fields, identifying potential college majors, and exploring possible college options.  In addition we looked at what life in college was going to be like and even how to plan for the future financially. 

In looking at career options I always told my students, “If you find any career that reaches the needs of older adults you will almost always have a job.”  While that might include the medical field, it also included jobs in the leisure and hospitality industries.  Obviously, there are a growing number of baby boomers who are retiring.  Many of them have discretionary income to spend on travel and leisure activities.   As we age our health also requires more attention.  That not only means a need for more doctors and nurses, but for physical therapist and nutritionist. 

I recently read an article on the advice that adults are giving today’s high school students.  Not surprisingly, many folks are encouraging teens to pursue careers in science and technology, but health care also made the list.  While young adults who are just starting their careers were the ones who most often said, “Pursue your passion,” it was those who had the experience who gave the best advice. 

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When it comes to the teens in your life, make sure they hear your story but also make sure you are guiding them into a career where the will not only be successful, happy, but marketable.

Grand Parenting 104

We have four grandsons and each one is unique.  The youngest is Daniel Paul Seale.  He is our daughter and son-in-law’s first born.  It had been a few years since we had a baby around, but I quickly remembered my role as grandpa.  We are blessed to have all our grandkids relatively close by and twice blessed to have Daniel with us one day a week.  I am the one who sings silly songs and takes him on long walks.  At almost fifteen month, he also wants to be my helper when I am working in the yard.  He learned quickly where the hose is kept and knows how to turn the faucet on.  When he gets outside the first thing he does is pick up the watering can and head for the hose. 

Daniel is different from our other grandsons, however.  He is definitely going to be a digital native.  Put him in the family room and the first thing he does is look for the TV remote.  We thought he could satisfy him by giving him an old remote, minus the batteries.  He excitedly took it and went over to the TV and started pushing buttons.  When nothing happened the device was quickly dis-guarded.  The boy knows the difference.  It is the same thing with my iPhone.  I gave him my old phone, but when it didn’t light up when he pushed the button he had no use for it.  I do not recall our older grandsons even knowing what a remote or mobile device was when they were his age.

Such is the world today. Today’s kids are born into a world where technology is a way of life.  Our oldest grandson, Andrew, is fourteen and has his own cell phone.  His brothers have their own iPads.  When they come to stay overnight they bring the devices along and stay in touch with mom and dad and their siblings via facetime.  Yes, they do play games on those mobile devices but Peter and Amy have established limits and they live by those even when their parents are out of sight.

There are some parallels with Daniel, however.  He will sit and look at books with you, and when he is tired he wants to be cuddled.  Meals and snack time are always entertaining and yes he does need to have his diaper changed regularly.  There is another big similarity.  Daniel longs for security.   When he is scared he cries and wants to be held.  That’s okay, because it is a scary world that he and I live in.  These days I want to curl up in the arms of my Heavenly Father.  When I first heard of the mass shooting in Las Vegas my response was to long for Jesus presence in my life and in the lives of those directly affected. 

The most important role that I have as grandfather is to make sure Daniel is not just aware of the security and hope we possess in Jesus but to see it acted out in a real way.  In addition to the biblical stories, he needs to hear my faith story.  God has brought me through the tough time, just like he will deliver him from those times as well.