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The WCC is observing an Ecumenical International Youth Day on 12 August under the theme “Journey of Justice, Peace, and Unity: A Call to End Violence.” An online event highlighting the experiences and resilience of young people and children living amidst conflict will emphasize the urgent need for peace and support.
“The issues regarding mental health in youth are expressed in various forms of behaviour such as panic attacks, addictions, eating disorders, disruption to education and learning, and the lack of coping skills,” reads the message.
The message also addresses the consequences of failing to address mental health in youth. “Even in regions free of open conflicts and wars, children and youth who face a micro-climate of normalized violence and experience physical, emotional, and sexual abuse are also highly vulnerable,” reads the message.
Pressure to succeed in a competitive environment also influences the mental health of young people, the message notes, as do systemic challenges within society. “Living in multicultural societies which form a type of global community, offers a great variety of identification models which may contribute to either an enrichment of individuality or to the disorientation of the person,” the text reads.
The message also notes the impact of technology. “Technology helps maintain connections, communication, and relationships, and helps find support networks that may not exist locally.”
Yet technology can increase social isolation. “It can also promote comparison and competition, leading to negative self-esteem and body image,” reads the text and, when coupled with lack of awareness, leads to grave consequences. “The lack of awareness of mental health in many societies, the reluctance to discuss issues openly, and the stigma associated with mental health conditions make youth who are already vulnerable even more vulnerable.”
The impact of climate change is also a significant risk factor. “Young people often feel overwhelmed and are preoccupied by the magnitude of the impacts of climate change leading to anxiety, stress, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness,” reads the text.
The message includes suggested actions for faith communities to promote mental health in an informed, safe, supportive, sustainable manner in close collaboration with mental health professionals.
