There is a parable that tells the tale of two people walking by a river when they notice babies floating down the river. One starts grabbing the babies out of the river, while the other runs upstream. The first asks, “Where are you going?! We have to save these babies,” and the other replies, “I’m going to see who’s throwing babies in the river.”

Source

The Gen Z mental health epidemic came to light in 2022 and I’m thankful for organizations like Springtide Research who have helped us understand what is happening. But just as important as what is happening is why it’s happening. That is why I’m excited by the new book The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt and how it is revealing what is happening upstream. I have been following Haidt’s research on his Substack (where he has been publishing his work in advance of the book) and think it’s as high level as anything I have seen. But just as importantly, Haidt proposes application points for adults to take action upstream.

With all of that in mind, concerned DCPC parents, members, and friends are invited to read The Anxious Generation and come together for discussion about how our church and other local faith organizations could come together to be an epicenter of change in our communities. If you’re interested in being part of this conversation, fill out the form below, get a copy of the book, and I will follow up with coordination on when and where we will meet. You can also use the form if you have any questions or comments.