Social Isolation & Loneliness

These conditions or experiences may increase a person's risk of social isolation and loneliness:

• Having a mental or physical challenge, such as a:

  • Chronic disease or condition

  • Psychiatric or depressive condition

  • Long-term disability

• Being marginalized or discriminated against

• Having limited or no access to resources, such as:

  • Living in rural areas

  • Limited transportation

  • Language barriers

• Being a victim of violence or abuse

• Facing a divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one

Loneliness may impact some groups more than others, such as:

• Low-income adults

• Young adults

• Older adults

• Adults living alone

• Immigrants

• People who identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual

Making social connections can be hard but a few small acts of connection can build supportive, meaningful relationships. People with meaningful social connections experience benefits, such as:

🤝 Less stress                 🤝 Better sleep                  🤝 Longer, healthier life

How Do I Improve My Social Connection?

Establish and nurture different types of connections with people

• Make time in your routine to contact others who care about you

• Reach out to different people to create a broad network of support

• Join a group with shared interests to create a sense of belonging

Give and take

• Reach out for help, even when it's hard to ask for it

• Provide support to others in need of help

• Find ways to be responsive and grateful to others - Gratitude Works!

Strengthen the quality of social connections

• Focus on building high-quality, strong, meaningful social connections

• Find ways to be responsive, supportive, and grateful to others

• Take steps to address conflict or negative feelings when they arise

Address barriers

• Take care of your health so you can readily connect socially and have fun

• Don't let screen time distract you from connecting with people in person

• Find ways to share the things you're already doing, such as exercising or cooking with others

Seek help if feeling disconnected, lonely, or stressed

• Health issues, divorce, or the death of a loved one can be very challenging

• Talk with a professional who can identify ways to help you