Social Connection Is A Fundamental Human Requirement

• How can we create more opportunities for connection and foster a sense of community identity in our daily lives?

• What role do personal values and beliefs play in our ability to connect with others?

The Importance of Community and Social Connections: A recap Pt 1.

Social connection is a fundamental human requirement.

In recent years, Canada has witnessed a growing concern surrounding issues related to loneliness and mental health. One of the most effective remedies for these challenges appears to be the fostering of a sense of community identity and belonging. Our capacity and determination to seek out like-minded individuals and create opportunities for connection, allowing us to explore our emotional landscapes with others, hold great promise. Engaging with our community can alleviate feelings of loneliness not only in early youth and late adulthood but also during times of loss, trauma, economic hardships, and communication barriers, among other factors.

It is now well-established that loneliness and social isolation significantly elevate the risk of premature death, heart disease, anxiety, depression, dementia, and respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, they exert substantial economic repercussions on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Social connection is not merely a desire but rather a fundamental human need that is indispensable for our survival and long-term well-being.