Factsheet 10: Let's Talk: Getting Connected We All Need Social Connections Having H aving a solid solid crew crew or or even even jjust ust a ffew ew g good ood p people eople iin nay young oung p person’s erson’s c corner orner iiss h huge uge ffor or their their mental mental wellbeing. wellbeing. In In fact, fact, supportive supportive rrelationships elationships c an llower ower anxiety anxiety and and can depression, physical health. d epression, boost boost self-esteem, self-esteem, and and literally literally improve improve p hysical h ealth. Positive ssocial ocial c onnections h elp u andle sstress tress a nd c ope w hen llife i fe g ets m essy. Positive connections help uss h handle and cope when gets messy. As we we grow, grow, our our circles circles naturally naturally shift. shift. Moving Moving from from school school to to u ni o ork, changing changing As uni orr w work, relationships, moving moving tto oan ew a rea, o ust d ealing with with life’s life’s curveballs cur veballs c an c hange relationships, new area, orr jjust dealing can change who we we hang hang out out with. with. During During tthese hese times, times, we we have have to to find find new new ways ways to to c onnect a nd who connect and protect o ur ssense ense o elonging. protect our off b belonging. Did you you k n o w? Did know? A round 1 in in 3 people people report report feeling feeling lonely lonely at at some some point point in in their their lives. lives. Around
Social S ocial Isolation Isolation S ocial Isolation Isolation is is the the physical physical Social sside ide o hings. off tthings. IIt’s t’s when when you you h ave v ery llittle ittle have very c ontact with with others others or or have have very very contact ffew ew social social interactions. interactions.
The information in this factsheet is designed to help you better understand mental health and what you can do to better support a young person who might be going through a tough time. It is to provide you with support and in turn confidence to offer initial assistance and guide a young person toward professional help.
Loneliness Loneliness is the emotional side. It’s that personal feeling of being alone or disconnected even when you're surrounded by people. It can bring up feelings of sadness or emptiness.
Both can weigh heavily on our mood and, over time, impact our mental and physical health. health Feeling lonely is a natural part of life, but no one should have to sit in it alone. Sometimes we just need some new strategies or extra support to help us manage those emotions and rebuild our connections.