Teens with Chronic Illness, Mental Illness, Chronic Pain & Disability
Your life is changing. Jesus isn’t.
The teen years are a kaleidoscope of change, especially when living with chronic illness, mental illness, chronic pain, and/or disability. Yet no matter how much changes, one thing remains the same, Jesus. Hope, encouragement, and resources for teens.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
About Teens & Illness
Chronic illness impacts 15-20% of all teens. Many require daily and lifelong treatment.
Worldwide 50% of all mental illness begins by age 14 and most are undetected and untreated.
Because chronic illness is unpredictable, we can feel isolated, alone, and forgotten. After having to cancel too many plans at the last minute, we can stop being invited altogether.
Teens and Chronic Illness, Mental Illness and Chronic Pain
Our teen years are a kaleidoscope of change – schools, friends, activities, teams, performances, dating, driving, dances, first jobs, college apps, and so much more.
And if that crazy mix isn’t enough, our chronic illnesses add symptoms, appointments, tests, treatments, and hospitalizations too. And just when we think we have it all figured out, we graduate from high school, and the kaleidoscope spins again.
Yet no matter how much changes, one thing remains the same … Jesus … always.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
“For I am the Lord, I do not change …” (Malachi 3:6)
Jesus is the same today as He was on the day we were born. He will be the same on the day we walk across that stage in our cap and gown as He was on the first day we stepped through those high school doors. And He will be the very same through every single step of our changing journey through life.
No matter what.
Jesus is the same whether we felt great today or we couldn’t climb out of bed. The same was true whether we cheered on our favorite team or snapped at our best friend. The same whether we’re sad, excited, lonely, or beyond angry. It is the exact same whether we are dreaming of the future or just want to give up today. Our moods, our actions, even our inactions don’t and won’t change Jesus.
God loves us as is – regardless of, in spite of, and no matter what. Always.
We are:
- created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
- His children (John 1:12)
- the reason Jesus died on the cross (John 3:16)
- children of the most High King (1 John 3:1)
- fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
- never alone (Hebrews 13:5)
- rescued and adopted into God’s family (Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 1:5)
God cares about every detail of our lives. Not a single detail goes unnoticed. He knows every hair on our head Luke 12:7 and every word before we speak it Psalm 139:4. Others might not notice when we’re exhausted, in pain, struggling, or lonely, but God does. Others might not seem to care that we’ve missed one more day of school, one more game, practice, performance, or dance, but Jesus does.
He is our strength when we are weak. And He promises that He will lead us, guide us, and pursue us every day of our lives. His grace is sufficient. And His mercies are brand new every morning.
We are His beloved, His delight, His masterpiece, and His magnum opus.
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; In his love he will … rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Teens • In Our Own Words
I’m OK with being sick, because it’s given me a strength many people my age don’t have. I’m different now, but I’m still me. (Joe T.)
Celebrate the accomplishments in life, even the small ones. Remind yourself just how worthy you are, even on the days when you don’t feel like it. (Michaela S.)
My illness has taken a lot away from me, but it’s also given me a different perspective on life and what matters. It’s easy to get caught up in drama, but when you spend a lot of time at a children’s hospital, you quit focusing on the little stuff. My illness has also made me more empathetic, and it’s taught me to keep fighting. (Ellie J.)
Whatever You Can To Do Today Is Okay
“If opening your eyes, or getting out of bed, or holding a spoon, or combing your hair is the daunting Mount Everest you climb today, that is okay.” Carmen Ambrosio
I’m Not Depressed, I’m Grieving
“Chronic illness is hard. It’s a new life. All I knew has gone. It’s different now. I’m not depressed, I’m grieving. There is a difference. And it’s normal.” Georgina E. Banks
Collecting the Scars
Maybe life isn’t about avoiding the bruises. Maybe it’s about collecting the scars to prove that we showed up for it.” Hannah Brench
Compassion Grows in Chronic Illness
“… you may never know the compassion that humanity holds until you meet someone with a chronic illness.” Anand Omprakash
Please Be Patient With Me
“Please be patient with me. Sometimes when I’m quiet, it’s because I need to figure myself out. It’s not because I don’t want to talk. Sometimes there are no words for my thoughts.” Kamla Bolaños
Describe Your Pain
The Pain Scale is a pretty ineffective way to communicate pain. How do you describe your pain?
Courage to Suffer
“There is no need to be ashamed of tears, for tears bear witness that a man has the greatest of courage, the courage to suffer.” Viktor Frankl
Scars-As-Blessings
“Even though stars are the scars of the universe we don’t see them as these broken pieces of gaseous matter, we see them as these majestic astrological blessings that give hope to billions. What if you saw yourself in that same light, or better yet what if you saw others in a similar way.” Ricky Maye, Barefoot Christianity
How to Live Well When Life is Changing
There are no easy answers or quick fixes to living well when chronic illness is our constant companion. It’s easy to notice all the things we can’t do, yet illness has the capacity to draw us to Jesus and to lean into faith. Faith is a courageous step; when we choose to take even one step, the Holy Spirit is faithful to equip us. Chronic Joy has developed and continues to develop practical guides, not as solutions, but as invitations to step out in faith and try something new.
FEATURED FREE PRINTABLES
13 Things That Might Resonate
With chronic illness, every day is an adventure! It isn’t a life we would have chosen, but it is one we’re learning to walk through with courage, tenacity, humor, and grace. We are so much more than our illnesses!
Wonder Walks • Trail Signs
Wonder nourishes our souls as we discover God’s fingerprint in every atom of creation. “Stand and consider the wonders of God.” (Job 37:14)
Living Brave
Living Brave begins with faith, with living authentically from the inside out. It’s messy and gritty, and reveals how much we really trust God.
Never Alone: God's Unending Mercies
Christ understands everything we go through because he lived it first. While it might be difficult to see small pieces of joy during chronic illness, God’s mercies truly are unending.
Finding Your God-Given Purpose
Discovering our God-given purpose begins with trust, with learning to be present with God in each moment — less about why we were created and what we are created to do than about who we are created to be.
WORDS FOR THE JOURNEY • A PRAYER
God, please protect my heart and mind, and fill me with Your hope. When I am lonely and discouraged, help me cling to You and soak up Your strength. Teach me to raise a hallelujah even when I am down, even when I am in pain.
I am your child. I am so grateful that you know every single thing about me and love me completely as is. Help me to become who You created me to be. Help me to shine Your light into this world, to love others as You love them, and to serve You wherever I am, however I am feeling.
On the dark days, please fill me with Your hope. Remind me that You have a plan for my future. Protect my heart and mind from the pressure and stress of fitting in, making good grades, of having it all figured out. Remind me to rest when I need it, to pace me days, to soak up Your strength, and to raise a hallelujah even when things are hard, even when I am in sick, even when I am in pain.
Thank you for loving me no matter what, and for never leaving me alone.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Blog Posts & Devotionals
God’s Got It – No Worry Needed
Every day our culture bombards us with messages of self-empowerment. We are told to take charge of our life, push ourselves to the max, and have a “can do” attitude. Every day your illness may bring many challenges, but you can rest in God’s loving arms, reminding yourself, “God’s got it!” You were never meant to do this alone!
Clinging to Christ: Stability When Life Gets Squirrelly
When life gets squirrelly, it’s easy to see the first or flashiest source of hope as our safeguard, but just as a human is no home for a baby squirrel, there is no replacement for Jesus in our lives.
Feeling Betrayed by God? Pray Anyway
Do you fight an inward battle between feeling betrayed by the Lord and feeling guilty about asking him to take the thorn away? He is big enough to meet you in the middle of your pain. It might not feel like he responds right away, but I promise you, He is listening.
Even More
#PenToPaper for Teens
TEEN STATIONERY
You Get Mail!
You’re invited you to sign-up for #PenToPaper packets designed especially for you. Fun, edgy, and transformational snail mail will wing its way to your mailbox several times a year. Sign-up today, and invite a friend! (Safe and secure.)
Speak Life, Spark Hope Stationery
Why Am I Feeling Like This? A Teen's Guide to Freedom from Anxiety and Depression
David Murray
If you have experienced anxiety or depression, you may have asked yourself, Why am I feeling like this? You are not alone. Meet eighteen teens who have struggled with different types of anxiety or depression. This guide will help you discover not only the common causes but also the keys to unlock their chains. By utilizing God-given truths and tactics, you can experience new liberty, peace, and joy in your life.
He's Making Diamonds
S. G. Willoughby
Are you a teenager trying to navigate faith through chronic illness? I’m here to tell you, you are not alone. When sickness takes over your life, it’s a never-ending battle to make it through each day. How do you cope? How do you keep fighting? Most of all though, how do you find God in the midst of the suffering? Through my own journey of sickness, I’ve struggled with the same questions—questions we all think but are afraid to ask.
I Still Dream Big: Stories of Teens Living with Chronic Illness
Penny B. Wolf
One day you’re hanging out with friends at the mall, playing basketball at school, dreaming about your latest crush, and the next you’re in the hospital hooked up to tubes and wondering whether or not you’ll ever feel normal again. Getting sick was never part of the plan. No matter what the diagnosis, teens with chronic illnesses share one thing in common: their lives have been changed forever. Seventeen personal stories will inspire us.
Young, Sick, and Invisible: A Skeptic’s Journey with Chronic Illness
Ania Bula
Drawing on her own deeply personal experiences, Ania explores what it is like to live with unseen chronic disabilities. She paints a vibrant picture of what it is like to be diagnosed with two life-long debilitating conditions as a young adult and relates the challenges and frustrations.
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Websites
ONLY7SECONDS®
Remember that time when you felt like disappearing and were sure no one would even notice? That moment was real. So real that millions are experiencing the same moments of hopelessness in their daily lives. Your story is important. Isolation, depression, and anxiety are real, and they have a bigger effect on our lives than we realize. It only takes seven seconds. Send one simple message. You could impact a life forever.
“Because of everything my family went through with my son and what our small town had faced, I felt led to create a movement called #only7seconds.” The goal of the movement was simple: spread kindness through thoughtfulness. “Take seven seconds out of your day to send a text telling someone that you are thinking of them.” To Kristin, this simple thought meant everything. “You never know if that text could be the one thing giving them an inkling that life is worth living.”