As the world celebrates International Youth Day, Jehovah’s Witnesses are offering practical help through its official website, JW.ORG where thousands have found succour amidst a global mental health crisis.
The International Youth Day ( IYD) is an awareness day designated by the United Nations to draw attention to the myriad of challenges facing youth.
Youth can be a positive force for development when provided with the knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive. Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 years, accounting for 16 percent of the global population.
In a statement by the Regional spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mr Femi Akinlade, a copy made available to journalists in Ibadan on Monday, the JW.ORG, website has content in more than 1,080 languages and a site where youths all around the world are easily accessing Bible-based information to find answers to questions such as: How Can I Deal With Depression?; Why Do I Cut Myself?; What if I Don’t Want to Live Anymore?
Referring to 18-year-old youth, Samuel Adunbarin who lives in Abuja, Nigeria, the Regional Spokesman said, “When anxious,18 -year-old Samuel Adunbarin, of Abuja, finds useful articles, videos, and audio recordings on the global nonprofit website.
“I have been able to find useful content on how to fight loneliness, deal with peer pressure and bullying. The well-researched Bible based answers are most helpful, The Bible has a soothing effect on me, ” Samuel was quoted to have said.
While one study calculated that one in eight people struggles with a mental health disorder, the World Health Organization reports that depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of iillness and disability among adolescents. Violence, poverty, stigma, and exclusion among other
factors can impact their mental health.
Realizing the issues that young people face, the United Nations promotes the yearly commemoration of International Youth Day on August 12.
The observance asks communities to not only recognize and address the challenges of adolescents but also to celebrate their potential.
As part of their ongoing global initiative to show community members how the Bible improves
lives, Jehovah’s Witnesses aim to help youths realize their potential, strength, and value through a study of the Scriptures. Suzy finds that her faith supports her mental health.
“I feel included, loved, and appreciated by my congregation.
“At a time I felt the absence of a biological father, it was so reassuring to note that I have a heavenly father Jehovah,” Samuel who was quoted earlier said.
According to the Regional Spokesman, Jehovah’s Witnesses also have a robust schedule of worship, fellowship, and volunteer ministry work that is instrumental in promoting positivity and a sense of belonging in the lives of young people.
He said there are nearly 9 million Witnesses worldwide who regularly endeavor to share hope from the Scriptures with anyone they meet.
Akinlade added that the witnesses also gather twice weekly at their places of worship called Kingdom Halls where young and old fellowship as they learn about the Bible.
“When they are telling others about a wonderful hope for the future from the Bible, young people can look beyond their issues and see how they can make other people happy. Jesus did say there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.
“Also, being part of a united, global organization of worshippers reminds our young people that they are not alone, ” Akinlabi stated.