Why Our Social Connections Matter

Everyone is different in regard to how social we like to be. For some, we thrive in being social and surrounded by others while someone else may prefer a smaller social circle. That being said, our social relationships, whether big or small, have a major impact on our health and wellness.

To begin with, social isolation is when we are limited from being able to interact and connect with our friends, family, loved ones and other people in general. Loneliness is a little different, when we are lonely this means we feel like we are isolated or limited even when we are with others physically.

When we are limited from connecting with others, or feel like we are, this has a big impact on our overall health. Donovan  and Blazer (2020) write how our sleep quality, brain health, and sense of happiness worsen which can have an effect on major mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.

There are several different ways we can overcome social isolation and loneliness which revolve around identifying and overcoming the barriers to social connections. In some cases, hearing loss can lead to social isolation so seeking out the use of hearing aids or other effective forms of communication can help. In other cases, we may be limited from leaving our home or room because of our physical health. For some, walking, driving, or even getting in and out of a car can be difficult or unsafe so improving our physical health through exercise can be a potential option. There are other options such as therapy, use of technology, and learning about services from community resources that can also help us overcome our barriers.

Being connected and feeling connected with our friends, loved ones, family, and our community is an important part of our lives that  helps us stay healthy both physically and mentally. Reach out to them when possible and be sure to spend time and connect with others in a way that is best for you.

Donovan, N. J., & Blazer, D. (2020). Social isolation and loneliness in older adults: Review and commentary of a National Academies Report. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28(12), 1233–1244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2020.08.005