Connecting with others

Overview

Do you know that the secret to living longer is social connectedness! Research tells us that being socially connected is vital to good mental and physical health. People who are socially connected not only live longer, they’re less likely to succumb to a variety of diseases. A recent study published in the journal Nature Neuroscience reveals the brain can process being socially disconnected as a survival threat, as humans have always relied on each other for survival. If cues that signal our connections to others are threatened or damaged, this may activate a neural alarm system. This, in turn, activates responses from our nervous system and hormones, which have negative effects on our health. On the other hand, having social cues that signal you’re cared for and connected to others may activate neural regions that promote health.

People who are experiencing mental health conditions and the wider impacts that come with this experience say that it can be difficult to maintain their social connections, let alone make new ones. Often people may not understand what you are going through and may even avoid talking to you about it. Although it can be more challenging for someone struggling with their mental health, it is becoming a more common experience for people in general. Many people often report feeling lonely and struggling to make deeper connections. If you are feeling this way, you are certainly not alone.

While it is certainly a challenge, we hope this page inspires and gives you some ideas and practical next steps for making new connections. If you have some old and current connections, we encourage you to nurture and make time for those who bring authenticity, kindness and fun!