Connection its something we all seek. We need connection to others almost as much as food and water. Feeling connected to others builds self-confidence, helps keep depression at bay, and gives us a feeling of hopefulness.
Isolation and a lack of connection is a huge problem for those living in poverty, the elderly, and teens.
For the elderly, lack of mobility, finances and depression are some of the reasons they live isolated lives. For some, the only people they may see are the folks who deliver Meals on Wheels, groceries, or medicine. At a time when a person has lived a lifetime full of experiences and has tremendous gifts to share, its a shame they are isolated in their homes with nothing but a television set to keep them company.
Lots of our elders suffer from depression, preventing them from getting out. Many are grieving the loss of their spouse, child, or a lifetime of friends.
TEENS are a whole other beast.
Social media has caused mass isolation. There is plenty of interaction, but no connection. The more time a teen spends on a device, the more isolated they can become.
Friendships are formed by doubling over with laughter while walking with another, by shooting ideas back and forth, and by coming to a place of agreement, or at least understanding, through conversations. Having even one real connection with another person who understands or gets you, can make all the difference.
For those living in poverty, isolation is a way of life. Lack of transportation makes taking your family to visit others or to events nearly impossible. All of the terrific festivals that are happening in our nearby towns dont happen for those who live in poverty. Kids in poverty dont go to Water Wars or Biblesta in Humboldt. Elsmore, Kincaid, Colony and Moran Days are not happening for people in poverty. The Farm City Days summer concert and the fall festival dont happen for most who live in poverty.
Kids in school are picked on because they are poor. Adults are shunned and made fun of because they are poor. They may smell bad because they dont have running water, basic hygiene items, and laundry facilities. They may behave odd because of mental health issues, or they may just be odd. Isolation can do that to a person. Lack of connection feeds isolation. Its a vicious cycle. The fewer connections to others that you have, the more you isolate yourself.
THERE ARE THINGS that we can do. Visit someone that you know is living alone. Stop by with a plate of cookies and stay for a visit. Share a story or a book or magazine. Make it a habit.
The smallest gestures mean the most.
If you know a teen who is lacking connection, ask them to help you with a task. Encourage conversations.
If you are going to a local event, invite them along. If you are heading out to the trails for a walk or bike ride, see if they would like to go. Take a foraging or bird watchers book and see what you can spot along the way.
