Over the past year, the number of social events people can safely attend has decreased significantly due to the pandemic. As a result, many people are feeling distant from their family and friends.
Unfortunately, loneliness isn’t a new problem. Back in 2018, the health insurance company, Cigna, found that around half of Americans felt alone more often than not. This problem affected everyone, from young adults to the elderly.
While social reconnection is challenging right now, it’s not impossible. In the age of technology, it may be easier to build a community than ever before.
Keep reading this guide to learn about how you can find a sense of belonging again.
The Impact Of Social Alienation
At the start of the pandemic, people noticed the side effects of isolation, like overeating or spending more time scrolling on their phones.
A recent study found that children and teens were likely to show signs of anxiety and depression when experiencing social alienation—and even after it’s over. Unfortunately, both of these mental illnesses have symptoms like lack of sleep and memory loss. The severity of these mental issues makes it even more crucial to stay connected with others.
Ways You Connect With People and Build a Community
Human existence becomes much more joyful when you can bond over a common interest with people. While it may take a little bit of work and time to find the right group, the outcome will be worth it.
1. Visit Online Forums
If there’s a niche topic you’re interested in, build your own community. Many social media websites allow you to create a webpage where people can join and create discussion threads.
From Facebook Groups to Subreddits to blogs, there’s plenty of places you can connect with people. One of the benefits of creating an online community is that you might find someone who lives near you, and you can eventually meet up in person.
2. Join a Church
There are so many existing communities out there that you can join too. Since some schools across the country are still completely or partially remote, students aren’t spending a ton of time with their peers. Another place they can go to get that social interaction is at church.
Have a look at the activities you can safely attend (i.e., virtual Sunday service and outdoor volunteer events). Surrounding yourself with people who share the same faith is an effective way to combat loneliness.
3. Write a Pen Pal
Pen pals are not a thing of the past. Putting pen to paper helps you cope with anything from everyday problems to traumatic experiences.
You might find that writing a letter relieves some of your stress, especially if you feel comfortable confiding in your pen pal. Not to mention, you have the opportunity to do the same for them.
All it takes is a quick Google search to find someone who will exchange letters with you. By doing so, you’ll become a part of a whole network of people who also partake in the activity. If you find you enjoy it, you can take on writing multiple pen pals.
Reach Out and Reconnect With People
Although times are tough right now, that doesn’t mean you have to go through it alone. You can build a community that shows up for one another no matter the circumstances.
From writing letters to creating online forums, there are numerous avenues you can take when creating social experiences in an isolated world. Start reaching out to people today, and you’ll make new friends before you know it.
If you need more information about mental health or creating a community, check out the rest of our blog.
