Psychiatrist Advises ‘Go Back To Church’ Amid Loneliness Epidemic
By Movieguide® Contributor
Mental health experts encourage Americans to “go back to church” as reports of loneliness skyrocket.
“This is an issue so many people struggle with in the shadows because they feel ashamed,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said.
Murthy also stated that loneliness and isolation are major issues in America today and can negatively affect physical health. Loneliness can increase the chances of heart disease, dementia or a stroke.
The Surgeon General also said, “premature death due to loneliness could equal that of smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and can pose a greater health risk than living with obesity.”
He spoke about the loneliness epidemic in greater detail in an advisory report, writing, “Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.”
Psychiatrist Daniel Amen agreed, adding that social media can worsen this lack of connection.
“I actually believe we’re on the beginning of a tidal wave of brain and mental health problems in young people, and it’s because we’re more disconnected than ever before, disconnected from our own families because when people are together their faces are buried in their gadgets,” Amen said.
So, what does he recommend to fight this rising trend of loneliness?
“So it’s back to church,” he shared. “Go back to church. Get involved. Get involved with groups. We have to go back. And really, no better place to solve it than the church.”
Murthy also encouraged Americans to attend church services.
“Religious or faith-based groups can be a source for regular social contact, serve as a community of support, provide meaning and purpose, create a sense of belonging around shared values and beliefs, and are associated with reduced risk-taking behaviors,” he wrote.
Movieguide® previously reported on America’s loneliness epidemic:
Chuck Norris recently shared why an epidemic of loneliness and isolation is sweeping across America and revealed its cure.
Norris argues that social media is largely to blame as the hours we spend on it every day take away from the time we have real contact with others.
As the time people spend with friends decreases, it’s no wonder they feel more lonely.
“We might think we are islands, self-sufficient strongholds, but isolation can slowly kill us, literally. We might live alone, but we shouldn’t be alone,” he said.
Rather than turning to worldly things to cure loneliness, Norris encourages people to turn to God, who satisfies every desire.
Norris quotes Randy Alcorn, saying, “God is primary; all other forms of happiness – relationships, created things, and material pleasures – are secondary. If we don’t consciously see God as their source, these secondary things intended for enjoyment can master us… When we invite God into our happiness, we become aware of how He invites us into His.”
