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Loneliness is not just being alone, it’s the sense that we’re lacking the social connections we need... even when we're around others.
Generally, there are three main types of loneliness:
Loneliness is the sense that we’re lacking the social connections we need. Loneliness is written into the script of life but what is not normal is when we don't respond to this as a signal to reach out and reconnect to our community. Interestingly, research suggests that loneliness is at an all time high and community connectedness is at an all time low (Personal Wellbeing Index, 2022).
Since we’re social creatures, if this loneliness signal is not acknowledged and acted on, it will have a dramatic effect on our physical and mental health.
For example, loneliness may make us more prone to depression, dementia, stroke and obesity. Studies have shown that it is the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day or drinking 6 alcoholic drinks a day. In short, loneliness can take about 15 years off your life.
Loneliness affects 1 in 2 Americans, more than any other time in history. According to several recent surveys, less than 40 percent have said that they felt very connected to others.
“Given the profound consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an opportunity, an obligation, to make the same investments in addressing social connection that we have made in addressing tobacco use, obesity and the addiction crisis” - U.S. Surgeon General's Report 2023: Our Epidemic of Loneliness & Isolation
Loneliness affects 1 in 3 adult Australians. Contrary to typical stereotypes, younger embedded people are lonelier than older isolated people, with those aged 18 to 24, and 35 to 54 (particularly men) report feeling the most loneliest.
A Community Connector is simply a skilled friend who comes alongside another to help shed light on their life adventure and connect them to other people and/or services in the community. Their aim is to transform loneliness by fostering friendship and belonging.
Want to become a Community Connector? Simply complete our Healthy Minds Workshop (30hours) AND receive our bonus Soul Talk E-Course (approx. 30+ hours).
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