Unpacking life's big issues
The Oxford English Dictionary defines wellbeing as “the state of being comfortable, healthy and happy.” Psychology Today goes along with this but includes “having good mental health, high life satisfaction, and a sense of meaning or purpose. More generally, well-being is just feeling well.”
Whilst the word wellbeing doesn't really feature in most English translations of the Bible, there’s a hugely important Hebrew word which perfectly expresses God’s passion and plan for our wellbeing, which is the Hebrew word, “shalom”. Normally translated as “peace”, this is a rich word that means health, wholeness and harmony with God, with others and with oneself. In other words, it encompasses complete wellbeing in every area of life. The word “shalom” appears over 250 times in the Old Testament. The Greek New Testament equivalent word, “eirene” (peace) appears over 90 times. The huge usage of these “peace” words, highlights the importance of God’s plan for our wellbeing.
According to an NHS survey, one in eight (12.8%) 5 to 19 year olds had at least one mental disorder when assessed in 2017. Emotional disorders were the most prevalent type of disorder experienced by 5 to 19 year olds in 2017 (8.1%). For anyone working with children or young people these statistics are depressing but not surprising. Many would suggest that these statistics are just the tip of the iceberg of a wellbeing crisis. This is a crisis that is not confined to one section of society but it has a particularly devastating impact upon children and young people who often have less resilience and for whom issues of identity and belonging are central to their existence.
One of the keys to wellbeing is being aware of how we’re doing in various areas of our life and taking appropriate steps to see improvement. This series helps young people understand that God is interested in every aspect of their wellbeing and helps them explore how they are doing in six key areas: physical, emotional, spiritual, emotional, vocational and financial. Using the story of Elijah, who seemingly went from hero to zero almost overnight, young people will be encouraged to look at what practical steps, however small, that they might take to improve their wellbeing in areas where they feel particularly weak.
Young people often feel that they are emotionally equipped to deal with problems on their own but often they need some additional support. This series does not aim to address the serious outcomes and behaviors that can be a result of poor wellbeing but leaders are encouraged to be sensitive and responsive to any young people who they think may need additional support or just a listening ear.