Mental health

Numerous studies undertaken since the pandemic have shown that anxiety and depression levels have increased across the world by at least 25% (STAT 2021).

Even though the pandemic with its associated lockdowns is now if not over, at least under control, other events have continued to make life very challenging for many people. The war in Ukraine for example, has impacted world economies quite dramatically. The following is an excerpt from an article written by Jill Lawless in February this year.

“A BATTERED AND RESHAPED ECONOMY

The war’s economic impact has been felt from chilly homes in Europe to food markets in Africa.

Before the war, European Union nations imported almost half their natural gas and a third of their oil from Russia. The invasion, and sanctions slapped on Russia in response, delivered an energy price shock on a scale not seen since the 1970s.

The war disrupted global trade that was still recovering from the pandemic. Food prices have soared, since Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of wheat and sunflower oil, and Russia is the world’s top fertiliser producer.” (The Associated Press 2023)

With interest rates rising and the cost of living going through the roof, it’s no wonder people are anxious and depressed.

God is asking us to put our trust in Him as better days are coming. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, NIV)

You can find out much more about God’s plan by reading your bible.

References: 

“Rates of depression and anxiety climbed across the globe in 2020, analysis finds” STAT 2021 https://www.statnews.com/2021/10/08/mental-health-covid19-pandemic-global/ (6 Aug 2023)

“Global impact: 5 ways war in Ukraine has changed the world” The Associated Press 2023 https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-5-things-c183ddfe6c140393464d3e0c3828c328 (6 Aug 2023)