Covid-19 Mental Health Impact—on 56% of Young Adults -

PRAY WITH US about Covid-19 mental health impact: Father God, we thank You for sending our Counselor, the Holy Spirit. For by His power You can drive out any virus or illness. He leads us into all truth. And His truth renews our minds, so we can test and approve Your good will in every situation. So lift us out of depression. Heal our diseases. Do not let us stay anxious about anything.

Instead, remind us to turn in prayer and petition to You about everything. Give us the peace that guards our minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. Help us release that peace as peacemakers. Make us ministers who reconcile people to You and to one another. Help us reach those who want to end their lives and show them how to begin new lives with You. For You came to seek and save the lost, that they may find Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PRAYER ALERT: Covid-19 Mental Health Impact—on 56% of Young Adults

Recently 40% of US adults reported anxiety or depression. This shows an increase from 10% before the pandemic in 2019. The figures rose to 56% for 18 to 24-year-olds. Even more startling, 25% in this age group reported that anxiety and depression led to suicidal ideation. Suicide has become now the second leading cause of death for people of ages 10 to 34.

Yet a new Gallup Poll found that those who attend church weekly were the only group of Americans who did not suffer a decline in mental health in 2020. That gives us another strong argument to open our churches as much as possible.

While some stressed-out, traumatized people abuse themselves, others abuse those close to them. For instance, domestic violence in Belize rose 43% from 2018 through the first half of 2020.

Our evangelism should include repenting of past sins and receiving forgiveness from God. Our discipleship should include developing habits of repentance and accountability. A small circle of trusted friends can help us to deal honestly with life’s issues. And to comfort one another with the same comfort we have received from God (2 Cor. 1:4).