Published May 8, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. We’re partnering with Mental Health America to celebrate the 2024 theme: “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.”
To understand mental wellness, it’s important to know what can impact it. Many things in our daily lives play a role in our mental health. This includes technology and the way it impacts our social connections.
Modern technology allows us to communicate with people around the world. But it can also create distance. Technology can take the place of in-person relationships. This is especially true for young people between the ages of 18 and 222.
In a 2023 world-wide survey, nearly 1 in 4 adults reported feeling lonely1. These feelings are highest in young adults ages 19 to 29. Twenty-seven percent of these respondents reported feeling “very” or “fairly” lonely2.
Connections with other people are good for our mental health and well-being. Positive social connections reduce the risk of:
· depression and anxiety
· substance use
· thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Here are some ways you can prioritize positive social connections3:
· Devote time and attention to develop and maintain relationships. Regular contact with others helps build social connectedness.
· Provide support to others—it can give them much-needed help, and make you feel good too! But don’t forget to take care of yourself even if you are caring for others.
· Strengthen the quality of social connections. Focus on building high-quality, strong, meaningful social connections.
· Address barriers to social connection. Don’t let technology distract you from engaging with people. Pay attention to ways it might make you feel worse about yourself or others. Try to use it in ways that are positive.
Loneliness can negatively impact your mental wellness, but you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope, consider reaching out. Our trained, compassionate counselors are available 24/7. It’s a free, confidential step toward feeling better.
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