Did you know that social connection plays an important role in maintaining strong mental and physical health? When you have strong connections with others, you are more likely to feel loved, seen, appreciated, and valued. Additionally, those who have a strong social network tend to live longer and healthier lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
What Does Social Connection Mean?
Social connection refers to the size and diversity of a person’s social network. Within a social network, people will play different roles in different relationships – and different relationships serve different functions. Relationships within your social network can have both positive and negative qualities. Overall, it is important to cultivate a network of relationships that is more positive than negative, adding to your quality of life rather than detracting from it.
Social connectedness refers to the continuum of meeting your needs for social connection. Not everyone’s ideal level of social connectedness is the same. There is no magic number or formula when it comes to the quantity, quality, and variety of interpersonal relationships that a person should have. Instead, your social connectedness refers to the degree to which you have the number, type, and variety of social relationships that you want. When you feel like you belong and have the support and care you need, then you are achieving a healthy degree of social connectedness.
Benefits of Social Connection
When you achieve a health level of social connectedness, there are numerous positive health benefits that you will see. In terms of physical benefits, studies have shown that those who have strong social networks can see reduced risks of chronic disease and serious illness, including heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
As for mental health benefits, those who have strong social connectedness have a reduced risk of developing depression and anxiety. Additionally, it is easier to manage the symptoms of stress as well as these behavioral health challenges when you have the support of your social network. Other behavioral health benefits of social connectedness include building healthy eating habits, increased physical activity, and a higher quality of sleep.
When you are feeling content with your levels of social connection, you can also see benefits like higher self-esteem, more cooperation, and improved levels of trust. Better Health describes a “flow-on effect” related to these benefits as well, whereby people around you will pick up on your positive social atmosphere and will, in turn, want to spend more time with you. This creates a positive feedback loop in terms of social connectedness and your physical and mental well-being.
Building a Strong Social Network
Humans are social by nature – but that does not mean it is always easy to build and sustain interpersonal relationships. When you move to a new place, start a new job, or go through a major life change like a breakup, it can be challenging to foster the connections you are looking for. Joining special interest groups, signing up for community events or activities, or even spending time at local hangouts such as libraries or coffee shops can be a good place to start.
As we all know, life can be stressful at times. When you have a strong social support network, however, it is easier to navigate challenging times and stressful situations in stride. Your social network provides different types of support that you need to cope with these situations.
Emotional Support: Leaning on friends during both good and difficult times enhances your emotional wellbeing, and you get to return the favor by being someone your friends and family members can count on.
Physical Support: Friends and social connections can also support you in practical, pragmatic ways. For instance, you might call a friend to get a ride to the doctor if you are not feeling well. You might also drop off a frozen meal for a friend who has recently given birth, call your sister to help with last-minute childcare needs, or take a task off your partner’s plate and drop off the dry cleaning. Physical support comes in many forms.
The Impact of Loneliness on Mental Health
On the flip side, loneliness can have a negative impact on your mental health. Older people are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of loneliness, but it can impact people of any age. Feeling lonely, or that you are lacking in social connectedness can lead to higher levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Loneliness also raises the potential for anxiety and depression and can even impact your immune system.
People who are feeling socially isolated also have a higher risk of obesity, inflammation, and high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to other health problems down the line. All this is to say that even though it can feel difficult to build social connections, it is well worth the effort for both your mental and physical wellness.
The Tiers of Social Connections
Not all social relationships are created equal, and it is important to have strong social connections in each of these categories.
Intimate: Your friends and family. These are the people whom you can count on for support during a crisis. You love and care for each other.
Relational: These are people with whom you interact daily over shared tasks or interests. These might be coworkers, baristas, or others that you see regularly and chat with.
Collective: These are people with whom you share an identity or group membership. It could be a political party, religion, or other identity (for example, an LGBTQ+ group). Belonging to groups and finding your place in these groups helps affirm your identity and can make you feel better understood in the world.
Get the Support You Need to Live Life to the Fullest
If you are struggling with your mental health, it is never too soon to seek support from a licensed behavioral health provider. At Triumph Behavioral Health, we are proud to serve our community in the Baltimore County area of Maryland. We are here to listen, support you, and develop an individualized treatment plan that puts your needs first.
Are you ready to take the first step toward better mental health? Reach out to us today to schedule your same-week therapy appointment.