One of America’s best known psychiatrists has recommended ‘going to church’ as one of the best treatments for loneliness.
Celebrity doctor Daniel Amen told CBN News: “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”
Dr. Amen said loneliness was a serious problem in America before the pandemic, but the COVID-19-related shut-downs made loneliness “exponentially worse.” He points out that while the pandemic is over, many people continue to remain isolated from those with whom they interacted before the pandemic. Therefore, he recommends minimising screen time while maximising in-person interactions.
“So it’s back to church. 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.”
He adds that more public resources should be used to hire and train mental health professionals, so that they’re more accessible and affordable.
US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D. has described loneliness as a public health threat as serious as smoking and obesity. He said loneliness increases the risk of physical ailments like heart disease, dementia, and stroke plus mental ones, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. He adds the possibility of premature death due to loneliness could equal that of smoking 15 cigarettes-a-day.
Dr. Murthy said about half of American adults are struggling with loneliness and even greater numbers of children are impacted. He acknowledged that may surprise some given the fact that many young people are frequently connecting with their peers online. However, he stresses that technology is a poor substitute for in-person connection.
