Thriving, contentment, and a sense of belonging

The loneliness trend

Loneliness skyrocketed during COVID-19. Isolation and loneliness reached unprecedented levels. As a result, behavioral health crises, including suicide, are now on the rise. Given the shortage of mental health providers the U.S. is currently experiencing, this trend has led to a national mental health emergency.¹

“Two factors led us here,” states Dr. Hossam Mahmoud, Regional Chief Medical Officer, Carelon Behavioral Health. “The COVID-19 pandemic created or amplified certain fractures within our society, because of the necessary public health measures and closures of many community centers and gathering places during the public health emergency. Additionally, our society became more polarized, which also impacted our sense of connectedness and social cohesion, which can affect our sense of wellness as a society.”

Loneliness also affects more than behavioral health. Studies show that when individuals are isolated, risk of dementia can increase by up to 50%, stroke by 32%, and coronary disease by 29%.²

 

Building social connections

However, research indicates that individuals can achieve strength in numbers. Studies show that when people build social connections and are part of a community, they minimize isolation and the risks that come with loneliness. Individuals gain a myriad of benefits that are ultimately good for their overall health.¹

Furthermore, research indicates that individuals gain educational, economic, and social capital benefits when they become part of a community, leading to longevity and improved quality of life. ³ “Stronger social connections can help people lower the physical, cognitive, and mental health risks that are associated with isolation,” emphasizes Dr. Mahmoud.

Anne Jordan, Cofounder and Chief Customer Officer of Pyx Health, a Carelon Behavior Health strategic partner, agrees. “Loneliness can cause depression, cognitive decline, and is associated with chronic diseases. So, when you solve loneliness, you solve so much more. The result is better mental and physical health outcomes ranging from decreased rates of depression to reduced risk of heart disease.”

 

Where to begin building social connections

When people start with the basics, it serves as a foundational first step toward building community. Joining hobby-specific groups or classes, volunteering, and getting involved with one’s community are all proven ways of building connections.⁴

Furthermore, the importance of building social connections is even more essential for youth, a factor which became increasingly important during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. While technology and social media can have negative effects on youth, eight in 10 teens say what they see on social media makes them feel more connected to what is going on in their friends’ lives, while 71% say it makes them feel like they have a place where they can show their creative side.⁵ 

 

Socially connected communities benefit society

Not only do individuals benefit from cohesive communities, but society benefits as well. Population health improves, and individuals work together on issues such as natural hazard preparation and resilience, as well as community safety. Civic engagement improves. Economic prosperity is better because community members are playing complementary roles to improve the functioning of the community, in turn providing better opportunities for individuals to prosper.⁶

“By focusing on improving loneliness through connection, we improve the way we think and our overall well-being. We all need to feel that at least someone in this big world hears us,” emphasizes Jordan.

 

Opportunities that lie ahead

Societal trends indicate that mental health is now bipartisan, and that we are all in this together. “Treating the opioid epidemic and the mental health crisis is universal. These crises have actually brought people together, as we join forces to contain them,” Dr. Mahmoud says. “People express genuine kindness and solidarity, for example, when disasters occur. Now, the next step is to bring that kindness more into everyday life. When we do that collectively, we improve social connections overall and that helps us face our common challenges.”