Loneliness - Rediscovering Our Connectedness
Explores why loneliness (the topic for 2022’s Mental Health Awareness Week) is a 21st century epidemic, and shares ways to rediscover our connectedness to others.
Everyone needs to feel that they matter to people that matter to them, and that they have a safe group of family or friends, a place where they feel they belong. These are among the basic ‘commons’ of our shared humanity. In this age of digital hyper-connectivity, a quick look at the data about loneliness reveals a distressing picture of large numbers of people of all ages feeling uncared for and isolated. The knock on effects on all aspects of our health are both painful and costly.
Even in the midst of a sea of people, why is it that so many of us feel lonely? What impact have the global pandemic and lockdowns had on how we feel on the inside? How do we rediscover our connectedness? How do we make sure those around us feel that life-giving sense of belonging? What work-related actions can help make sure everyone feels included, that they matter and there is a mutual sense of care?
These may seem like soft or wooly matters for the working world, but we neglect them at our peril, given the costly impact of ignoring them on productivity, morale, staff turnover and mental health.
In this event we will explore some facts and figure about loneliness and its impact on all aspects of health. We’ll look at the importance of certain ‘intangibles’ for our mutual human flourishing and the science behind why we need to feel connected and what generates that.
The session also considers an individualised view of health and wellbeing versus a recognition or our inter-dependency, and shares practical ways to promote an inclusive world of work where no-one gets left out.
The session is grounded in science and evidence, led by leading Work Well Being Associate a medical doctor with a background in psychiatry.
Key Outputs
Brings awareness to the widespread experience of loneliness and how that has been heightened in recent years
Explains the crucial importance of our connectedness with others for our health and wellbeing
Shares strategies for reconnecting with others and fostering a sense of belonging
Reduces feelings of isolation