Connection and Mental Health

Have you ever attended a concert and left feeling euphoria and an almost buzzed feeling? Have you ever gone to a sporting event and cheered alongside and befriended the people sitting next to you? Have you ever had dinner with another family and left feeling fuller inside?

In contrast, have you ever been stuck at home for multiple days on end and felt a loss of energy (think 2020)? Have you ever been hours deep in a Netflix binge and noticed a total disconnect from your surroundings? Have you ever been so caught up in productivity for work that you feel you missed out on the people around you?

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on the impact community and connection has on our overall mental health. I notice a huge dip in mood and energy when I’ve been isolated socially or communally. I also notice a more expansive, embodied feeling when I feel connected to others and my surroundings.

If you have been noticing more depressive symptoms and lethargy, I would encourage you to reflect on how your daily social activities (or lack thereof) could be impacting you.

Connection can go way deeper than just human-to-human interaction. I have a friend that finds great pleasure and connection with attending to her plants, and another that finds complete presence in moments out in nature. My mom finds great purpose and connection in her relationship with her dog.

I would encourage anyone, struggling or not, to take a proactive approach to your mental health by keeping tabs on social and community engagement. These activities that bring us together, that ground us in the present, that create a sense of community. If you notice your calendar has been void of interactions lately, reach out to a friend to schedule a coffee date. Tend to your garden, and then maybe share a picture with a friend of the progress. Book a concert and bring along a friend.

If funds are short, ask a loved one to take a walk with you. Facetime a friend or family member you haven’t talked to lately. Take a trip to your local park.

Best of luck to you, and I hope you have a great summer!