All posts tagged: Mental health

42% of Gen Z have been diagnosed with a mental health issue

According to a survey conducted by Harmony Health, nearly 70% of Gen Z stated that their mental health was negatively impacted by COVID pandemic and lockdown. As well, 42% said they have been diagnosed with a mental health issue, the Christian Post reported. Gen Z is made up of those between the ages of 18 and 24 (born between 1997 and 2012). The survey also found that 57% of those diagnosed with mental health issues are spending on average $44 a month for medication, for such issues as depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, insomnia, and PTSD. In addition, the survey reported: READ: 42% of Gen Z have diagnosed mental health condition, majority worried about future: study

When Mental Health Professionals Recognize the Healing Powers of Spirituality

By Dr. Michael L. Brown Critics of the COVID lockdowns often argued that, in the end, the lockdowns would do more harm than good, not just financially but also medically. One reason was that patients needing treatment would be less inclined to visit a doctor or hospital, increasing their health risks. Critics also pointed to the psychological aspects of the lockdowns, leading to increased loneliness, depression and even suicide. What about forbidding Christians (and other people of faith) from gathering together for worship, prayer, and ministry? What kind of impact did this have on the overall health and wellbeing of tens of millions of Americans (along with countless others worldwide)? Or, conversely, what positive role did faith play in the overall health and wellbeing of Americans during the lockdowns? A new article posted in the Scientific American, by David H. Rosmarin, and titled “Psychiatry Needs to Get Right with God,” addresses these very questions. The Cost of Not Gathering for Worship According to Rosmarin, “Spirituality has historically been dismissed by psychiatrists, but results from a …

Lockdowns: Young adults experiencing high levels of psychological distress

Despite the COVID death rates for people between the ages of 18-29 being extremely low ranging from .003% to .013%, (a fraction of a percentage), the same can’t be said for the lockdowns. According to a recent poll by Pew, nearly a third of young adult Americans are “experiencing high levels of ‘psychological distress'” and it’s due primarily to the lockdowns, not COVID.

Why is mental health rapidly declining in Ontario?

Mental health experts in the Canadian province of Ontario are warning of people’s declining mental health due to COVID and its related lockdowns. In fact, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association, things have gotten much worse because of the second lockdown in the province. Of course, it’s not surprising, since the province also has one of the most restrictive lockdowns in Canada. Notice, how people are also claiming they are lonely. The Toronto Sun explains: The poll suggests only 35 per cent of Ontarians consider their mental health to be “very good” or “excellent,” compared to 52 per cent in the first round of polling in May. It also shows nearly 80 per cent of respondents believe there will be a “serious mental health crisis” post-pandemic, compared to 66 per cent in August and 69 per cent in May. […] The poll also found respondents were getting more isolated. Fifty-seven per cent reported feeling lonelier since the pandemic began, with 47 per cent saying they wish they had someone to talk to. And 36 …

Survey reveals that Bible reading increased people’s mental well-being during lockdowns

A recent survey by Christian Research discovered that people are reading their Bibles more during the COVID pandemic and associated lockdowns, and this is not a wasted exercise as many stated it is having a positive impact on their mental health. The age group reporting the largest increase was those aged 25 to 34, where over 50% indicated that they are reading their Bible more often. The survey also revealed that people are using new ways to engage with scripture. While print versions of the Bible still remains popular, Bible apps are being used more often, and a surprisingly 30% reported that they are now listening to the Bible. This growing interest in listening to scripture shouldn’t surprise us because it has its reward as the Apostle Paul tells us that “faith comes from hearing” (Romans 10:17). The survey also found that the Bible reading increased people’s hope that things were going to improve. The Bible tells us that hope is a vital component of faith (Hebrews 11:1). The survey revealed: 28% stated that Bible …

Lockdowns: Long-term mental health fallout

Psychiatrists’ warnings about the long-term mental-health fallout from COVID-1984 lockdowns have been falling upon politically-deaf ears for months. The latest to raise concerns is Dr Adrian James, the president of Britain’s Royal College of Psychiatrists. James warned that the country will be paying a “profound” price for the lockdowns, long after they have ended.

Recent Gallup Poll shows why churches are essential

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis just announced that churches were essential and removed the state’s attendance caps that restricted religious services. In part, Polis was responding to Liberty Counsel’s recent legal victories where courts ruled that US states can not violate religious freedoms guaranteed in the American Constitution by restricting church services in the name of COVID. And a recent poll by Gallup concurs that churches are indeed essential services. The survey, conducted between Nov 5 and 19, revealed that people over the age of 18 who attended religious services were experiencing better mental health than those who weren’t. In the 2020 pandemic year, 46% of people who attended church services reported excellent health and surprisingly this was even higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic years when 42% in the same group reported excellent mental health. Gallup also noted that those who regularly attended religious services was the only demographic that showed an increase in those claiming excellent mental health over the previous year. For Americans as a whole, the Gallup poll revealed only 34% described their …

Brain scans shows forgiving others helps restore good mental health

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Mathew 6:12 NASV) Forgiving was a key tenet of Jesus’ teaching. For years, people treated it as purely a religious exercise, but now therapists and psychologists are understanding its importance and have embraced forgiveness as a vital counseling tool. This led researchers in England to take a closer look at forgiveness from a scientific perspective. They found evidence forgiving others may be a key to restoring good mental health. 

Casual sex connected to depression and suicidal thoughts

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a link between casual sex and poor mental health. This included increased depression and thoughts of suicide.  They interviewed 10,000 students in grades 7 to 12 and then re-interviewed them between the ages of 18 to 26. The research group specifically surveyed them on depression and suicidal thoughts. Of these students, 29% said they participated in casual sex (women 24%, men 33%).