Relationships and social connection impact health, quality of life, and wellness. Social well-being is not separate from other realms of wellness – a sense of connectedness impacts spirituality, mental/emotional health, sexuality, and the physical body, and vice versa. Human beings are a social species, and loneliness may be a contributor to non-communicable diseases and mental health issues1. A person’s level of “function” and disability is dependent on their relationships and the society in which they live (often society is broken and inaccessible, reducing the function of the person). A more holistic, biopsychosocial approach to the assessment of well-being that includes social connection and relationship is an upstream (i.e. up-scaling) approach to health promotion and wellness.
This centering of we and community is a part of my shamanic, mystical world view. As Thich Nhat Hanh says, we inter-are. There is no separate self, only a sterile, bereft culture and an un-remembering of who We are (or more appropriately who We is, as We is truly a singular). Self-care, self-promotion, self-identifying, self-focus will only get you so far, and for most of us, that location isn’t good enough.
I am not a mental health practitioner or a marriage and family relationship specialist. However, I do have group offerings that are meant to create a sense of community and belonging as I ascribe to the understanding of how vital a sense of connectedness is. Life is best lived from a space of both/and – both autonomous/uniquely you but in a community supported by love and kindness.
More information on complementary and integrative health and wellness modalities, specific to social connection is available on my Patreon page.
- see Together by Vivek H. Murthy and Dangers of loneliness: Social isolation is deadlier than obesity. (slate.com) and Loneliness Is a Public Health Problem: This Low-Tech Intervention Can Help – Scientific American
*Please note that none of the above information is specific medical advice, but are educational resources. If you have concerns about your health, please contact a trusted healthcare professional*
………………………………………………………………
The above content is written by Allison Mitch, PT (DPT), shamanic practitioner, CSC, CSE; copyright protected, please cite accordingly.
The picture is from Pexels.
To work with me or for more information, please email [email protected]