Why Is Connection So Important For Maintaining Optimum Mental Health?
Why Is Connection So Important For Maintaining Optimum Mental Health?
In the era that we are living now, connection is more important than ever. As a society we have forgotten how important it actually is. We live in a world of whatsapp and Facebook. Connecting on social media doesn’t count! If anything it can be detrimental as it provides a false sense of community. In times gone by it was a fundamental part of life to have a cup of tea with your neighbour, be a part of the local bowling team, pop to the pub for a drink with the locals and family were typically close by. Connection was everywhere.
According to Brene Brown, Professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and who specializes in social connection: “A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick.”
Social connection improves physical health and psychological well-being. A study published in the Science Journal showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. On the flip side, Social connection strengthens our immune system, helps us recover from disease faster, and may even lengthen our life. People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression. Connecting with people has been shown to improve our self esteem.
In a study by the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry they say that loneliness is a stronger predictor of mental health than mental health is a predictor of loneliness. All the more reason to make sure you have social connections, not just on social networks, and nurture those real-life relationships.
“A deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people”
Social connection is an area that is really easy to let slip. I am an introvert and I find it hard. That said when I do it, I feel better. A suggestion would be to plan 2 social connections per week for 1 month and see how you get on. My experience has been that social connection gets easier the more you do it.
FEATURE RECAP:
Social connection improves physical health and psychological well-being.
Loneliness is a stronger predictor of mental health than mental health is a predictor of loneliness.
People who feel more connected to others have lower rates of anxiety and depression