What in the World is Wrong With You? Rethinking Depression and Suicide Among 18-25-year-old SailorsR SPIRITUAL HEALTH

Abstract

In 2021, Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, U.S. Public Health Service Surgeon General, published a health advisory calling attention to the urgent public health crisis of degraded mental health among youth. The U.S. Navy is seeing this unprecedented challenge in increased depression and suicide among 18-25-year-old Sailors. This paper looks at the problem of increased depression and suicide-related behavior among 18–25-year-old Sailors, known as Generation Z. It explores the problem and identifies several key demographic and societal factors. It offers a spiritual and pastoral analysis of key drivers of depression and suicide among Generation Z. Finally, it recommends a care response model that integrates spiritual and evidence-based practices to support the recovery of one's divine narrative and spiritual health. This paper argues that spiritual connection with God is the foundation for human flourishing, and an integrated approach to care is the best model to help develop that connection.