In hearing all of these benefits about personal connections and knowing that we live in a global society/are connected to everyone all the time, you'd think we'd all be satisfied in our connections and relationships right? Easier to connect to each other via tech? More access? More social media? Better travel capability than we had 100 years ago, right?
It may surprise you to know then that America has a profound loneliness epidemic right now that's rampant. In fact, The US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy's public and federal health initiate in 2023-2024 it to combat the epidemic of loneliness and isolation Americans are experiencing! Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. Dr. Murthy and his team discovered that disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. In fact, loneliness and isolation increase the risk for individuals to develop physical health problems in levels comparable to smoking daily!!!!
To end on our initial point: deep connections in many "love" domains are required for sustained health: emotionally, socially, physically and personally. "Internet communities" are not a replacement for in-person, deep and meaningful connections. This months calendars have excellent and easy tips/activities you can try.
This February, let's go back to basics and commit to friendliness, showing up for each other in person, and broadening our connections.
With "love",
The APTS Therapy Team
