The Power of Community and Support in our LivesLoneliness
The human race has thrived and evolved not as isolated individuals, but as a collective - a tribe, a community, a family. Our ancestors survived and thrived not because they were the most physically powerful or intellectually superior, but because they existed in supportive groups, taking care of each other (Dunbar, 1998). This communal approach is still wired deep within us. Today, we continue to need that sense of belonging and support.
Today, our culture often glorifies independence and self-reliance, compelling us to be 'do-it-all' individuals. But this 'go it alone' mentality can have damaging effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health (Eisenberger, 2012).
Did you know that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, Smith, Baker, Harris, & Stephenson, 2015)? Plus, research shows that loneliness and social isolation can have health risks comparable to well-known risk factors such as obesity and smoking (Holt-Lunstad, Smith, Baker, Harris, & Stephenson, 2015). These feelings can contribute to conditions like heart disease, depression, and anxiety (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010).
The strongest, happiest, and most successful individuals are not those who never face struggles. They are those who have a strong network of support to help them navigate life's challenges (Cohen, 2004). In fact, science shows that having social support significantly buffers against stress and improves overall health and well-being (Uchino, 2006).
It's okay to lean on others. It's okay to ask for help. We were never meant to do it all alone. Reach out. Build your tribe. Support and be supported. We are, intrinsically, community beings.
Mental Health Therapist, Kateryna
Please note:
This post is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
References:
- Cohen, S. (2004). Social relationships and health. American Psychologist, 59(8), 676–684.
- Dunbar, R. I. M. (1998). The social brain hypothesis. Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, and Reviews, 6(5), 178–190.
- Eisenberger, N. I. (2012). The pain of social disconnection: Examining the shared neural underpinnings of physical and social pain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(6), 421–434.
- Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218-227.
- Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.
- Uchino, B. N. (2006). Social support and health: A review of physiological processes potentially underlying links to disease outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(4), 377–387."
Today, our culture often glorifies independence and self-reliance, compelling us to be 'do-it-all' individuals. But this 'go it alone' mentality can have damaging effects on our physical, mental, and emotional health (Eisenberger, 2012).
Did you know that loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad, Smith, Baker, Harris, & Stephenson, 2015)? Plus, research shows that loneliness and social isolation can have health risks comparable to well-known risk factors such as obesity and smoking (Holt-Lunstad, Smith, Baker, Harris, & Stephenson, 2015). These feelings can contribute to conditions like heart disease, depression, and anxiety (Hawkley & Cacioppo, 2010).
The strongest, happiest, and most successful individuals are not those who never face struggles. They are those who have a strong network of support to help them navigate life's challenges (Cohen, 2004). In fact, science shows that having social support significantly buffers against stress and improves overall health and well-being (Uchino, 2006).
It's okay to lean on others. It's okay to ask for help. We were never meant to do it all alone. Reach out. Build your tribe. Support and be supported. We are, intrinsically, community beings.
Mental Health Therapist, Kateryna
Please note:
This post is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
References:
- Cohen, S. (2004). Social relationships and health. American Psychologist, 59(8), 676–684.
- Dunbar, R. I. M. (1998). The social brain hypothesis. Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, and Reviews, 6(5), 178–190.
- Eisenberger, N. I. (2012). The pain of social disconnection: Examining the shared neural underpinnings of physical and social pain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 13(6), 421–434.
- Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review of consequences and mechanisms. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 40(2), 218-227.
- Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: A meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227-237.
- Uchino, B. N. (2006). Social support and health: A review of physiological processes potentially underlying links to disease outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(4), 377–387."
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