Importance of Social Support
Helen Keller once famously said “walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Social support is critical when it comes to healing from cancer, but it is also important to obtaining and maintaining better overall health.
Research is clear that social isolation and loneliness are associated with poor health outcomes including chronic pain, chronic illnesses, poor brain function, and pre-mature death. In fact, the World Health Organization puts social isolation in the same category as other major health risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 3 Americans feel lonely and 1 in 4 feel they have no social or emotional support.
This is such a huge issue that the US Surgeon General sounded the alarm in 2023 by stating, “Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” said Dr. Vivek Murthy.
If you feel you need to find ways to enhance your social support, consider the following tips:
- Proactively reach out to family and friends and make time to see people on a regular basis.
- Be a good listener and offer your support/help when it may be needed.
- Consider joining a support group or becoming a volunteer with an organization that you care about.
- Consider counseling or attending therapy sessions.
- Reach out to neighbors or other groups to expand your friend network.
- Maybe take a class or join a club to meet new people.
Being socially isolated or feeling lonely is not only uncomfortable, but it can also be damaging to health. Don’t underestimate the dangers of social isolation. Now that you are aware of this important issue, it’s time to be proactive.
