The Wisdom of the Past: Why Older Generations Hold the Key to Rebuilding Mental Resilience

By Michael Hall, Be-More Alive Ministries

Introduction: A Crisis of Anxiety and Identity

We are witnessing an unprecedented crisis in mental health among younger generations. Rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm have skyrocketed, particularly since the rise of smartphones and social media. According to Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, these shifts are not just anecdotal—they are statistical and global.

But here’s the question: Why did older generations, who faced economic hardships, wars, and fewer technological conveniences, report far fewer struggles with anxiety and depression? The answer lies in the structure of their upbringing—their social environment, discipline, and community.

At Be-More Alive Ministries, we believe the solution isn’t just in therapy and medication but in restoring the wisdom and structure that older generations had. It’s time for parents, mentors, and community leaders to reclaim their role in raising resilient, disciplined, and emotionally grounded young people.


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The Mental Health Divide: Then vs. Now

Mental health struggles existed in past generations, but not at the levels we see today. In the 1950s through the early 2000s, anxiety and depression were far less common among youth. Compare that to today, where rates of teenage depression and suicide have more than doubled in the last decade.

What changed? Older generations—particularly Baby Boomers and Gen X—grew up in environments that built resilience:

More face-to-face interaction and socialization.

Physical activity and outdoor play without screens.

Strict but loving discipline that instilled respect and responsibility.

Faith-based and community-driven support systems.


Compare that to today, where children and teenagers are spending 7-9 hours a day on screens, consuming social media that distorts reality, breeds comparison, and encourages self-doubt. The digital world has replaced real-world experiences, leaving many young people with no grounding in reality, purpose, or identity.


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The Role of Social Media and Technology in Mental Decline

Haidt’s research exposes a direct link between social media use and declining mental health, particularly in girls. Why? Because platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat promote:

Unrealistic comparisons that erode self-esteem.

Anxiety-inducing content that feeds fear and hopelessness.

Short attention spans that make focus and discipline difficult.

A lack of real-world consequences, creating entitlement and emotional fragility.


In past generations, bullying happened in person. Conflicts were resolved face-to-face. Today, social media has removed accountability, allowing people to say things they would never say in real life. Worse, many parents are allowing devices to raise their children, outsourcing discipline and engagement to screens.

We now have a generation of digitally connected but emotionally disconnected young people, struggling with purpose, resilience, and confidence.


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The Erosion of Parental Authority and the Cost of “Soft” Parenting

Another stark difference between past generations and today is parenting. Older generations emphasized discipline, responsibility, and hardship as part of life. Today’s parenting trends, influenced by “safetyism” and overprotection, have left children ill-equipped to handle real-world struggles.

Parents used to say “Go outside and play”—today, they hand over a tablet.

Discipline used to be firm but loving—today, many parents fear being “too harsh.”

Responsibilities like chores, working early, and contributing to the home were expected—today, many teens lack real-world responsibilities until adulthood.


Haidt argues that this overprotection, combined with social media, has made kids weaker, not stronger. Parents have unintentionally raised a generation that struggles with independence, emotional control, and real-world resilience.

But it’s not too late. The solution lies in intergenerational wisdom.


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The Solution: Older Generations Must Lead Again

At Be-More Alive Ministries, we believe that Baby Boomers and Gen X hold a blueprint for resilience, faith, and structure that younger generations desperately need. We need to bring back mentorship, discipline, and faith-based guidance to restore what has been lost.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Reintroduce Intergenerational Mentorship

Older men and women must take on the role of guides, not just elders. Youth need to hear the stories of perseverance, discipline, and faith that past generations lived through. At Be-More Alive Ministries, we integrate this mentorship into reentry programs, youth outreach, and faith-based community work.

2. Restore Parental Authority

Parents must reclaim their role as leaders, not just providers. That means:

Limiting screen time and prioritizing face-to-face engagement.

Instilling responsibility with chores, jobs, and service to the family.

Teaching resilience through challenges, not avoiding them.

Grounding children in faith, showing them a foundation deeper than social media trends.


3. Bring Back the Role of Faith & Community

Older generations had strong faith and community ties that provided emotional security. Churches, local groups, and ministries must step up to fill the gap left by broken homes and digital isolation.

At Be-More Alive Ministries, we are committed to rebuilding these lost foundations. Through fatherhood initiatives, reentry programs, and mentorship, we are bringing back the wisdom that kept past generations strong.


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Call to Action: It’s Time to Rebuild

We are at a crossroads. If we continue on this path, the next generation will be more anxious, lost, and disconnected than ever before. But if we restore the discipline, structure, and resilience of older generations, we can change the trajectory.

Parents: Reclaim your role as guides, not just caretakers.

Mentors: Step up to lead younger men and women with wisdom.

Faith & Community Leaders: Build spaces where youth can grow without the toxic influence of social media.


At Be-More Alive Ministries, we are dedicated to this mission. If you are ready to join us in reclaiming the strength of past generations and rebuilding resilient youth, reach out today.

Contact Michael Hall, Be-More Alive Ministries
📧 BeMoreAlive828@gmail.com
📞 828-216-9077

Let’s bring back what was lost. Let’s raise a generation that is strong in faith, disciplined in life, and resilient in spirit