"Helen Keller once wrote: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” This statement could not be more true especially during the pandemic. Cynics may say that together we spread the virus more quickly however that is a very literal interpretation of this quote. And let’s be honest, no one likes a cynic during a pandemic. Ms. Keller’s quote speaks to a greater platitude and that is we are better together. Humans were not meant to be alone which is why the pandemic has negatively impacted mental health and anxiety all over the globe. A KFF Health Tracking Poll from July 2020 also found that many adults are reporting specific negative impacts on their mental health and well-being, such as difficulty sleeping (36%) or eating (32%), increases in alcohol consumption or substance use (12%), and worsening chronic conditions (12%), due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. Additionally, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder.
Research demonstrates social interactions help one mentally and physically. During the pandemic when interactions were limited, it is especially important to talk about how in-person events and social interactions can be important to your mental health. The following studies have reported a positive correlation between social interactions and good mental health.
“Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.” - Harvard Women’s Health Watch
“People who were disconnected from others were roughly three times more likely to die during the nine-year study than people with strong social ties.” - In a study of 7,000 men and women in Alameda County, Calif., begun in 1965, Lisa F. Berkman and S. Leonard Syme
“Consistent and compelling evidence linking a low quantity or quality of social ties with a host of conditions,” including the development and worsening of cardiovascular disease, repeat heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, high blood pressure, cancer and slowed wound healing. - The Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Debra Umberson and Jennifer Karas Montez, sociology researchers at the University of Texas at Austin
“People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Moreover, studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and cooperative and, as a consequence, others are more open to trusting and cooperating with them.” - Emma Seppala
The importance of mental health and being surrounded by loved ones cannot be underestimated and arguably is proving to be the best medicine (aside from the vaccine). So let’s all do our part to make gathering again a regular occurrence so we can all be better...together.
