Staying socially connected
People are social beings, so when we’re socially isolated we might start to feel lonely, become afraid of others or even develop negative self-esteem.
Studies show that loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risks of health problems, such as heart disease, depression, and cognitive decline.
Participation question
What are you currently doing to stay socially connected?
What are things that make it easier and or more difficult for you to connect with others?
Helpful Videos:
Helpful Resources:
Three Ways You Can Use Technology to Stay Connected While Physical Distancing
Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected
WHY KEEPING CONNECTED IS SO IMPORTANT
Seeking Help
Mental stress can cause us not to be able to see the good things in life and lead to excessive rumination or worries which can result in serious health problems. If you have serious, long-term problems with negative thinking and feeling depressed, see your doctor or talk to a therapist if they are related to any mental challenges.
Are you looking for a therapist? 7 Cups has online, certified therapists with a paid option. For more information on what happens in online therapy at 7 Cups, Read Lisa’s (a therapist and director of therapy) explanation
https://www.7cups.com/forum/therapy/General_2432/WeveLaunchedTalkTherapyon7Cups_319430/
To apply for 7 Cups online therapy, click on this link https://www.7cups.com/online-therapy/?ob=1
@communicativePond1728
Thank you for sharing all these points with us. Often when we write down things and see them in front of us we might realize what we need to do more.
@amiablePeace77 that's true, thanks very much for that. 🙏
@amiablePeace77 it does though show me things I can't do too...but I've been repeating the serenity prayer to somehow assist with that. Perhaps it will sink in and help somehow, although sometimes it seems to be a bit of a bad bet as there's no guarantees and old habits and patterns are so powerfully wrapped in packages of unconscious negative thoughts or just straight indifference and apathy.
@communicativePond1728
I hope that with time and support you can break the habit of negative thoughts. Deep rooted patterns can be tough to end but it can be done! Continuing with your serenity prayer will help!
@amiablePeace77 I've noticed consistency seems to be the most powerful thing. I went back and did more serenity prayer work and my mind shifted to a new perspective, and many other small steps. It sure seems futile sometimes though...just never seems enough when there's conscious or unconscious comparison, worries, fears, doubts, etc..
@communicativePond1728
You have been through a lot in your life and might be still facing a difficult time. Prayers and also mindfulness practises can help but sometimes we just need more guidance. Do you feel you're at a point where you could benefit from more guided support?
@amiablePeace77 what I feel doesn't matter and never really had.
I'm not doing enough right now. I'm doing everything virtually. My child is the only person I see in real life on a daily basis. I've worked remotely for years, even before the pandemic, but my current job has me too isolated. I've been looking for a new one and it's hard to find. I have to really motivate myself to look. This has really brought back my depression and I feel stuck and overwhelmed.
@selfdisciplinedPenny281
I am so sorry to only replying now but somehow I did not see your post.
When most of your life is taking place virtually feelings of isolation can easily be created. Sorry you're going through this right now. Something that might be worth a try is to create a list of things to do which have a high chances of connecting with others, even if it's just for a moment like going for a walk in the neighborhood, trying to initiate a conversation in a shop when grocery shopping like asking "Oh, I was wondering how that tastes, have you tried it before" or something else.
Other things to get socially connected can also be meeting other parents from your child's kinder garden or school when events take place.
@amiablePeace77
Hello Peace, thank you so much for your post. It made me think about it and I will make an effort to get some contact. ☺️
Aqua
@aquaDime3032
Nice aqua! The foundation to connect with others is our own willingness!
@amiablePeace77
Nothing. Can't do much about staying socially connected if no one wants to return the favor. Staying socially isolated might have its health concerns, but it's better than being hurt over and over again. So I guess I'm stuck.
@MrOrange051
It is understandable that you do not want to stay socially connected with people who hurt you. I hope that you will soon meet the right people for you who treat you with kindness and respect. I hope that in the meantime coming here will help to feel being part of something because you are!
@amiablePeace77
No, I'm not. I don't feel welcome or wanted here just like everywhere else I go, so I'll take the hint and leave. I'm deactivating my account later tonight. I'm done trying. It always ends the same no matter what I do.
@MrOrange051
I am very sorry that you do not feel welcomed, it hurts. I hope the break will help and you will come back here one day 💙
@amiablePeace77
This post hit close to home and provided some helpful insights on how to stay connected and build resilience so first and foremost thank you for posting about this topic :)
My family and I (husband and two daughters) moved continents almost three years ago from N. America to Europe. The culture shock and differences from our home country to where we are now are vast. So much so that it has been tough to feel settled, accepted, or accepting of this place and its people. We have gone through periods of social isolation which have led to various degrees of depression for each of us. Complaining is a daily occurrence and it's just so draining on your energy and health. Not much has worked out here for us and we have gone through multiple ordeals just trying to stay in the country. So needless to say it is been an overall frustrating and isolating experience.
We have become more resilient through this process, out of pure necessity. There have been lots of lessons and growth for all of us. One of my favorite sayings is misfortune is often disguised as fortune. So I am aware of the deeper meanings and purposes of what we have been going through. We have had small periods of connection through various community groups and weekly activities. So it hasn't been isolating a hundred percent of the time. Its just that we don't feel at home here, at all and I am just ready to move on now and would appreciate the means to move to manifest.
Anyways I think its pretty clear I needed to vent about all of this so thanks for reading and to any replies that follow :)
@aCalmOasis
I am very sorry to hear that you do not feel home where you live now. Adjusting to a new culture can be very challenging and some people experience a culture shock. It is of great importance to not get stuck in the culture shock but try to see the good around you. There is quite some information about how to deal with a culture shock on the internet but here is one link that might help https://usnewsglobaleducation.com/all-advice/8-tips-to-overcome-culture-shock/.
To live a good life, it is critical to understand though when the point has come that you need to take steps and change your situation and this can include moving back home too.
Thank you for the link, unfortunately returning back to our home country is not something we want to entertain. We are committed to making a new life in Europe. I just know it won't be here in this particular country. Once we can move to the next country we have in mind I am certain things will improve for the better.
@aCalmOasis
I wish you all the best for your next move!
@aCalmOasis ( @amiablePeace77 ) ... yes and that your time at your current home would be some positive. Leading you to the next place? Gathering experiences? then later, "Next time, I for sure want to have ___ at the place I live."
Search for the bits of happiness, positivity and joy! Look for places and things (or people) that bring you gratitude. Being thankful really does help; yes, even when finding things to be thankful *for* is a difficult exercise. See <-- experience talking :) Be well, dear CalmOasis! your 7cups friend, Platy
Yes the attitude of gratitude is immensely powerful and I do utilize this from time to time to lift my spirit. Some days are easier than others for sure. I find myself having more better days than not lately. Much of this I attribute to finding 7 cups and learning how to support others. So for that I am the most grateful. Thank you for your kind comment Platy and your gentle reminders. 😊 🙏
@aCalmOasis
Hello Calm, i was reading your post and that connected so much with me. I have moved a couple of times and i can understand what you're going through (and your family). I am originally from Brazil, moved to Europe than to north America, back and forth again. At the moment I live in Europe too and I am pretty much isolated. If you wish, we can keep contact and so we can make some exchange and give support to each other. I would love to hear from you. 😊
Yes please, let's connect. Feel free to dm me :)
@amiablePeace77 What am I currently doing to stay socially connected?
Well, I'd almost given up on finding a great connection with someone irl. But then it happened!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Woo hoo! I can't tell you how good it feels!
If you're struggling to find a connection - keep trying. Put yourself out there.
It WILL come eventually. It also might come in a package you didn't expect! ❤️
I waited a long time but now I feel like I have a friend who is like family to me.
How did I do it? I asked questions. Lots and lots of questions and showed a genuine interest in them. I also liked the answers obviously!
What are things that make it easier and or more difficult for me to connect with others?
Easier - asking questions as above!
Harder - It's weird but if someone already has a lot of friends that makes me feel like they don't have room for or need me.
@genuineHeart2995
Thank you for sharing this positive post with us! "Never give up" because something wonderful might still happen!
@amiablePeace77 I personally try to catch up with a few old friends to know what they up to and try not to let others lives have a negative impact on mine!
@Sun2024
Sounds wonderful, being still in contact with old friends is special. I'm regularly calling my old friend in my homeland too and truly enjoy the chats. Nice that you do not let negative vibes or talk from others impact you.