Right now, 1 in 3 students is battling anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm. But here’s what’s even harder: most of them think they’re the only one.
I recently spoke at a school where I asked, “How many of you have ever felt anxious, depressed, or just plain overwhelmed?”
Hands went up. Students looked around. Some even teared up.
After the talk, one teen told me: “I’ve been holding everything in. But today I finally told someone. I feel lighter already.”
This is why we can’t ignore the mental health crisis. And it’s why I want to pass on to you the same S.T.E.P.S. I gave those students—a simple but powerful guide to better mental health.
The Message: Lighten the Load
Mental health isn’t fixed in a moment. It’s strengthened step by step. Here’s what I shared—5 practical steps that help lighten the weight:
S – Speak the Truth
Anxiety lies. Depression whispers.
You hear it in thoughts like:
“I’m not good enough.”
“No one cares.”
“It’s always going to feel like this.”
But here’s the truth: You are not your thoughts. The lies we believe about ourselves act like a funhouse mirror—distorting reality. They stretch your fears and shrink your worth until you don’t recognize yourself.
But God’s Word offers clarity:
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made…” – Psalm 139:14
“You are not alone…” – Hebrews 13:5
“You are deeply loved.” – Romans 5:8
Start speaking truth out loud. Tell someone. Tell yourself. Tell the lies to leave.
✅ You are not broken. You are not a burden. You are not alone.
T – Team Up
We weren’t created to carry life alone.
During the talk, I pulled out a backpack full of objects—each one representing what students carry silently:
- A mirror (appearance pressure)
- A textbook (academic stress)
- A family photo (home drama)
- A rubber chicken (friendship conflict—funny but real)
It added up fast—and got heavy quickly, but here’s the breakthrough:
When someone helps carry the weight, it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Studies show that students who have just one trusted friend or adult are 50% less likely to experience deep depression.
Don’t carry your pain in silence. Tell a friend. Talk to a parent. Text a counselor. You don’t have to tell everyone everything—but you need to tell someone something.
✅ When you open up to someone safe, the weight begins to lift.
E – Everyday Action
Getting healthier emotionally is like leveling up in a video game. You don’t go from Level 1 to Level 50 overnight.
You grow one small decision at a time. Here’s the challenge I give to students everywhere:
5-for-5 Mental Health Challenge
Do one of these five things each day for the next five days:
- Phone Break – Put your phone down for 30 minutes. Go outside. Breathe.
- Sleep Right – Get at least 8 hours of sleep. (Yes, that means ending the TikTok scroll!)
- Music/Media Check – Choose positive content that builds you up instead of dragging you down.
- Move Your Body – Walk. Ride. Dance. Stretch. Physical activity boosts mental clarity.
- Serve Someone – Doing something kind for someone else lifts your spirit too.
These steps might sound small—but they stack up into big change over time. Just like brushing your teeth or charging your phone, daily habits protect and recharge your mind. Small steps make big shifts.
P – Press Start (Today)
Let’s be real: we’re all guilty of putting things off. Homework. Exercise. Conversations we don’t want to have. But procrastinating with your mental health isn’t neutral—it makes things worse.
Imagine riding a bike with a flat tire. The longer you ignore it, the more damage you do—not just to the tire, but to the whole wheel. It’s the same with emotional health.
If you don’t press start now, the weight will only grow heavier. So don’t wait. Start today. Open up. Ask for help.Don’t wait for “the right time.” Healing starts with one choice.
✅ Say something. Try something. Start something—today.
S – Stay Strong
Let’s talk about the hardest truth. Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death among teenagers. That statistic breaks my heart.
But here’s what I tell students: Don’t end your story early. What feels unbearable today may look totally different tomorrow.
Every story has dark chapters—but dark doesn’t mean done. Think of your favorite movie. There’s always a moment where it looks like it’s over for the hero… until it’s not. Until they rise. Until something shifts.
You’re not stuck. You’re not invisible. And you are not beyond help.
God is still writing your story.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” – Psalm 34:18
“Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
If you’re thinking about giving up, PLEASE talk to someone.
Call. Text. Speak. Stay.
✅ If you feel hopeless—don’t suffer in silence. Speak up. Hang on. Help is closer than you think.
The Challenge
If you’re a student: choose one step and take it today.
If you’re a parent or youth leader: share this with your group and start a conversation that matters. Because your life matters.
Your pain is real—but so is your purpose. And the load gets lighter one step at a time.
With you,
Ryan Fontenot
Founder, R.A.G.E. Ministries
www.rageministries.com
P.S. If you or someone you love is struggling, please don’t wait.
Text or call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
You’re not alone. Help is here.
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