Social connectedness has a bigger impact on health than giving up smoking, reducing excessive drinking, reducing obesity and any other preventative interventions? Whilst these strategies are going to enhance your lifestyle, modern medicine is realising the importance of integrating the most effective intervention for improving health and longevity - social relationships!
 
This month, I’m highlighting the contribution of social researcher and bestselling author, Hugh Mackay whose accolades include an Officer of the Order of Australia and Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society to name a few. I was honoured to interview Hugh and taking much delight in revealing his insight and wisdom that complements my contribution as a Relationships Therapist.
 
We are created relational social beings. When we feel loved, secure and attached to our people and surroundings, we flourish. Look beyond the symptoms of our anxiety epidemic and you’ll likely see social fragmentation behind it. An example of social fragmentation is one household in four has one person living in it with this trend set to decrease to one in three. Fragmentation features 35%-40% of marriages that end in divorce (a massive ripple effect on society and generations including children who transition between parents’ houses or choose to live independently earlier.) Busyness is our badge of honour and the information technology boom that as Mackay says, “makes us feel more connected than ever before. On the other hand, it makes it easier than ever for us to stay apart from each other and to settle for a text or a tweet, rather than a phone call, let alone a cup of coffee. We are getting used to the idea that you can communicate without human presence.”
 
In my experience in the Counselling room, loneliness and disconnection is usually the root cause of addictions. “For too long now, we have been living in a society that revolves around individualism and consumerism.” says Mackay, citing them as the “twin vanities”.
 
Hugh emphasizes this in what he calls being entangled in the QPL syndrome: the quest for the perfect latte. He says our sense of lack of control in the world causes us to seek fulfillment through bathroom renos, breast implants, enviable holidays we can Instagram and demand the perfect latte. We are ensnared in the false belief we will be happy when we get what we think we deserve. In reality, it is a never-ending chasm to fill and the root of entitlement and narcissism. Mackay says we have “lost sight of our true nature as people who belong to a society. We are, each of us, organically linked to the whole; its problems are our problems; the pain of any is the pain of all”.
 
Beyond Blue reveals two million Australians are suffering from a diagnosed anxiety disorder. Whilst youth suicide is falling, sadly our overall rate of suicide is still rising. Men are three times more likely to die of suicide, with approximately six male deaths per day.
 
What is going to counteract these frightening statistics? Find someone to work out or walk with, call a buddy for a beer, join the choir, pottery class and be brave enough to knock on your neighbour’s door. Your brain lights up when you’re connected, needed and contributing to the lives of others. Fellas can have a chilled out catch up at Sunshine Coast’s very own local initiative, www.grablifebytheballs.com.au which is expanding across Australia. There’s a plethora of women’s networking events in business, playgroups and hobbies. Use your screen for good today to search out some connections suited to you and courageously make contact. You’ll likely live a longer and healthier life.
 
I personally think it’s ok if you enjoy finding good coffee! 
 
If you’d like to know more on the Suicide Prevention Program at the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience -Thompson Institute, visit www.thealliance.org.au.

Joanne Wilson is a neuropsychotherapist, relationship specialist, workshop facilitator and guest speaker. Don’t miss more on this in her “Is This Love” Podcast and download your Spouse It Up Guide at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com
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Imagine if the Sunshine Coast experienced an additional wave of happiness, love, compassion and well-being. What if we became renown as the Sunshine Compassionate Coast? Envision our emergency hospital admissions being reduced by 30%, drastically alleviating the healthcare budget? Visualise our new express train to and from the big smoke to catch a show or attend a meeting with the proceeds!

I’m not suggesting this image requires all fellas needs to buy into that hipster bun look and sign “peace it out” as you take your morning beach walk, wearing nothing but a blanket. This also won’t require chanting or the clanging of symbals.

I’m putting out a challenge to all Sunshine Coasters to take part in alleviating the epidemic of anxiety, depression and spiralling mental-health with another solution!
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It was brought to my attention by Hugh Mackay, author, Sociologist, Psychologist and Social Researcher during my interview about the astounding results from the “Compassionate Frome” project.

Frome Medical Practice, serving the 28,000 population in Frome, Somerset in the United Kingdo, have taken the innovative approach of combining a compassionate community programme of community development with routine medical care. They really did reduce emergency admissions to hospital by 30% over 3 years!

What was their secret antidote? They make standard use of the most effective intervention for improving health and longevity - social relationships!

Did you know that social connectedness has a bigger impact on health than giving up smoking, reducing excessive drinking, reducing obesity and any other preventative interventions?
Compassionate Communities UK note that “Until now, it has not been known how to use this in routine clinical practice.” They managed to reconnect people to their own supportive network and the extensive community activity that already exists. They recognise they don’t seek to take the place of social care but this is their methodology:

1.    Maximise the benefit of current supportive networks of family, friends and neighbours and the resulting care and connectedness, love and laughter, sharing companionship and values. Some of this is task related to caring and some is increasing a sense of belonging in communities.
2.    Building networks of support for the routine matters of life, shopping, cooking, cleaning, looking after the garden and pets, providing lifts.
3.    Linking to community activity, such as choir, walking groups, men’s sheds, talking cafes and other interest groups where people can make friendships and share life’s events. 
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Together, compassionate communities help to reduce isolation and loneliness and bring a sense of belonging into what is sometimes a disconnected society. 

Whilst you might not be able to claim your cuppa at Choir practise on Medicare, it’s certainly worth a try?

In the meantime, chat to that person behind the counter at the store, at the bus stop and be bold to make connections.

Joanne Wilson is a neuropsychotherapist, relationship specialist, workshop facilitator and guest speaker. Don’t miss more on this in her “Is This Love” Podcast and download your Spouse It Up Guide at www.relationshiprejuvenator.com
 
If you’d like to know more on the Suicide Prevention Program at the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience -Thompson Institute, visit www.thealliance.org.au.