Does church affect mental health? # 2
June 7, 2023
Our Surgeon Generals’ report that declining church attendance is negatively affecting our nations mental health should give us pause. As Christ what can we do?
Scripture admonishes us to not neglect getting together. Hebrews 10: 24-25. Worship, shared meals, helping each other: churches can be a source of meaningful relationships. Encouragement when down. Comfort during hard times. Another interesting finding was that religious and faith based groups providing regular social contact is associated with reduced risk-taking behaviors. The report continues.
Loneliness is as bad for individuals as smoking 15 cigarettes a day — a pack-and-a-half daily habit — and harms physical health “even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity,”
Personal first steps. Attend church. Get connected. Invite family and neighbors. For our Spiritual health first. Physical as well.