Hope for Anxiety

August 17, 2023

Dear Hyde Park Family,

As the father of 22- and 20-year-old children, I and my daughters have shared frequent conversations about the difficulties their generation has faced during their brief lifetimes. Their generation was born in the aftermath of 9/11, grown up in an era of tragic school shootings, lived in a country that has struggled through economic recessions, experienced significant weather-related catastrophes, and, of course, lived through the trauma of a global pandemic.

All these events have been on top of the typical challenges of navigating adolescence and young adulthood. It would be an understatement to say that young people today are dealing with anxiety, stress, and trauma on a widespread scale, and it is incumbent on all of us to bring these issues to light, for the sake of their wellbeing, along with ours.

“ANXIOUS NATION” FILM SCREENING THIS SUNDAY

This is why we are eager to offer a special screening this Sunday afternoon at the Hyde Park Campus of “Anxious Nation,” an award-winning documentary film released nationwide in 2022.

Here is the description of the movie from the filmmakers:

“Anxious Nation explores and captures the many faces and facets of anxiety. This feature-length documentary takes a deep look into the crisis of anxiety and mental health in America, especially its impact on kids (ages 10-26) and families. We zero in on how anxiety shows up, the nurture/nature debate, what’s happening in homes and society that’s significantly adding to the problem, the crisis on college campuses, and the impact of anxiety and mental health in lower socioeconomic communities, especially the brown and black communities. We discuss stigma, loneliness, isolation, disconnection, the alarming rise in suicide, the dangers of social media, overmedication, incorrect diagnoses, and the horrific mental health ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

We are pleased to host this event, in partnership with Rogers Behavioral Health and the Florida Psychological Association. It takes place this Sunday, August 20, from 4-6pm in the Magnolia Building. Representatives from these organization will take part in a panel, where we will explore topics including:

· What does anxiety look like, especially for teens?

· What can we do about it, particularly as family members and friends?

· Where can people go for help in the community?

· What is our role in offering hope and reducing the impact of anxiety?

To register for the event and to learn more, click here.

Together, let us be a witness of hope and healing for all persons struggling with anxiety, stress, and depression. May we be conduits of the peace, hope, and joy in Jesus Christ.

Grace and Peace,