Does church affect mental health?
June 6, 2023
Our countries Surgeon General recently released a report relating that American’s health might be undermined by not participating in church services. To say I was surprised—an understatement. Only 47% say they belong to a church, down from 70% in 1999. An important component is the fraying of meaningful personal relationships.
Was the pandemic a factor? For sure. But that is history now. Church gatherings promote meaningful relationships. Barna recently reported that this retreat from faith is devastating young people. A majority admit they struggle with depression, anxiety, and fear. Their suicide rate is the highest of any generation in history.
Churches are messy for sure. Yet connecting, reaffirming shared values, valuing each person, commitments in marriage, and mutual caring are actions we can take. People are hungry for meaningful connections.