Recently, many of the individuals that I see have been noticing how much of an impact social connections have on their mental health. In my own life I notice the effects of decreased or low quality social connection.
According to the CDC, social connections have a significant impact on physical health, such as heart disease and physical decline. In this scoping review the author’s reviewed studies on the impact of social connectedness of mental health. Many of the studies they reviewed found that many mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression and anxiety, and stress symptoms had a lower reported occurrence when there was a higher perceived social connectedness.
Of course, studies and research are important to understanding ideas on a larger scale, but we don’t tend to experience life within the confines of research findings. Think about times you’ve felt less stressed or generally happier or content, were those times that you’ve felt more connected socially? I know that for me, the answer is yes, absolutely. Thinking about the reverse, when you felt like you had weak social connections, what were your thoughts like?
How can you increase social connections if you’re feeling disconnected?
- Join free classes at your local gym, library, or art center. Many coffee shops, wine bars, or even the local government in St. Louis have free or low cost classes. Some of these classes incorporate movement and some of them are creative, find what works for you.
- Think about what you enjoy and do more of that, even if it doesn’t lead to social connections right away, it may be a way to connect in the future.
- Message or call old friends, it’s likely that they will also appreciate you reaching out.
- Contact the friends or family you already have a connection with.
But, I’m an introvert, how do I do some of these things?
Don’t expect yourself to be a huge social butterfly, the goal isn’t to change you, it is to enhance your experience. If something isn’t enhancing your experience, then maybe that thing isn’t for you. Of course, there’s something to say about challenging ourselves, but when you do, make sure the challenge doesn’t bring you overwhelming anxiety. You will be uncomfortable, but we don’t want you to have a panic attack.
Ashley Heinrich is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Greenway Therapy . Learn more about her on her BIO page.