Ok, so sometimes staying home on the couch and watching your favourite TV show may sound like the best idea ever! How about when you do this for seven straight evenings in a row? Some clients have described feelings of low motivation, low energy or loss of joy in the things they used to find enjoyable. Sometimes this can worsen in the winter months when we tend to isolate more – it’s tough finding the willpower to get out in the dark and cold to see others and engage in fun activities. However, not seeing others can also keep us stuck.

Here are some stats on isolation:

• People with strong social relationships are 50% more likely to live longer
• Socially connected older adults have healthy diets and healthier appetites
• When eating alone, people were found to have poorer heart health – and this was a study on teens!
• People experience less depressive symptoms when they are feeling socially connected with either friends or family.
• Studies have shown that lacking social connections can be as damaging to our mental health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!

These are just a few stats that demonstrate how important it is for us to connect and some of the consequences if we don’t. But if you’re feeling stuck on how to connect with others, check out these resources below:

• Meetup.com is an online resource to join others in your community who have created groups around your interests.
• Contact your local churches, which offer worship times, but also community groups to participate in.
• Visit your local library for classes and groups.
• Social media can offer safe, online groups/forums to connect with others.
• Volunteer at your favourite community organization – find a cause that speaks to you and see if you can give back.
• Local sports groups can be found through your city’s website.

Using this list of resources to reach out may seem daunting for people who have been isolated for a long time or fear social groups/interactions. That’s ok! It does not mean it’s impossible to do so. If you’re having trouble connecting with people or maintaining relationships, counselling can be a way not only to find solutions for this but give you practice in connecting with another. It can take courage to reach out to others. If you have difficulty connecting with others and feel stuck or lack closeness in your relationships, please email me at nicole@jeffpacker.com. I’d be happy to explore your strengths and areas for improvement to have more intimate, healthier relationships in your life.

Resources:
https://cfccanada.ca/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx…

https://www3.havering.gov.uk/Documents/Public-health/PH/docs/Mental-Health.pdf