Alpha Edison’s Post

When politics divide us, social connectedness becomes even more critical. In times of political tension, it's natural to want to withdraw. I've heard many people expressing the desire to disconnect and isolate following yesterday's results. But as someone who studies social connection and health, I want to share some reasons to reconsider. In a recent op-ed I wrote about America's crisis of social isolation and its impact on collective wellbeing presents evidence that when we disconnect from each other, our mental and physical health suffers. While it may be necessary to take time and hold personal space to process the results and what this may mean for one's family, community, or social group, I encourage you to: 1. Check in on your social networks to provide or receive emotional and tangible support. 2. Find ways to have collective conversations. Lets take care of each other. Grateful to the Yale Women Faculty Forum Public Voices Fellowship at Yale University and the The OpEd Project for helping us communicate our ideas to the world. You can access the op-ed here on TheFulcrum.US: https://lnkd.in/eZ-MXmHx #SocialConnectedness #Election2024 #Wellbeing #PublicHealth

𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐯𝐬. 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Power dynamics within communities significantly influence mental health outcomes. 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 promotes inclusivity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, leading to enhanced self-esteem and reduced feelings of isolation. When individuals feel empowered to participate in decision-making, it fosters a supportive environment that strengthens community bonds and overall well-being.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ In contrast, 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 can create environments of inequality and marginalization, leading to feelings of disillusionment and frustration among those excluded from decision-making processes. This can increase stress and anxiety, as individuals may feel powerless and disconnected from their community.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Let’s shift from power hoarding to power sharing by embracing 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, where elders, families, and communities share decision-making responsibilities. By fostering 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, everyone can contribute their strengths for the common good. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ We must redefine power as a means of 𝐮𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬, fostering respect and interconnectedness among community members. 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 can play a crucial role, passing down knowledge of power sharing through stories that emphasize wisdom and inclusion. ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Additionally, by 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐬, we can value collective power over domination, resisting modern hierarchical systems that often marginalize voices. By prioritizing these principles, we can enhance resilience and promote better mental health outcomes for all community members.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ #powersharing #collectiveleadership #mentalhealthmatters #empowercommunities #inclusiveleadership #communitywellbeing #strengthinunity #communityconversation #advocate #treeoflifecounselingcentersa

A really interesting article about reframing loneliness around the more positive and empowering ‘social health’ - how can you improve your connections with people; whether it be family, friends or community and thus improve your social health. https://lnkd.in/e4qvBSzE

Social isolation, disconnection, and loneliness have negative health consequences.  In no other age demographic is this more evident than our > 65 year olds.  Our elders are, in my mind, an untapped resource full of wisdom.  We can do better to engage with them in a meaningful way, in our work, in our social circles, within our families.  There are several organizations that I have recently discovered in the Boston area that do just that.  Here’s a shout out to #Friendshipworks, one that I am currently collaborating with to increase awareness on the topic of social isolation and to increase engagement with our older population.  Please check them out! This article highlights the importance of social engagement as we age.  Take a look! https://lnkd.in/eqcXJVGa

Learn how to boost your social health with strong connections. This Forbes article explores the importance of meaningful relationships and offers practical tips to enhance your well-being. Discover strategies to build and maintain these vital connections. https://lnkd.in/gPzBc5VE #nlr #nextlevelrecruiting #careeradvice

Social health is so important today, especially in our younger generations. Read our blog about how to improve our social health as a community at therdeye.com. https://lnkd.in/ev6BXKwY

Proud to share the publication of the first Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) chapter focused on Loneliness and Social Isolation in Surrey which I co-sponsored along with Professor Helen Rostill. Some of the key findings are: - Loneliness and social isolation arise from social, economic, and structural inequalities that put some individuals at higher risk than others.  - The poor health and wellbeing outcomes associated with few social connections and poor quality personal relationships disproportionately affects people who already experience disadvantage. - Young people (aged 16-24) are more likely to report feeling lonely than people over the age of 65. - Yet, social connection can make people happier and healthier across their lifespan. - The provision of social activity does not, in and of itself, address loneliness and social isolation unless the social, emotional, and structural barriers to these activities for some populations are also addressed.    The chapter highlights recommendations for action across the Surrey system to improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.   The full chapter can be read on Surrey-i. #Loneliness #SocialIsolation #SurreyCountyCouncil #AdultSocialCare #PublicHealth

We have so much to do with respect to addressing loneliness and social isolation in an Irish context; this paper provides critical recommendations on how to start doing so.

Do you focus on your Social Health? How? What do you do? This articles invites us to focus on Social Health in 2025. #mentalhealth #socialhealth

Social Isolation (Autistic Community): The need for Social Connection & Belonging: This is a powerful video on Social Isolation. Featuring Kim Samuel. Autistic people suffer from very high rates of Social Isolation, often coupled with devastating Loneliness. The list of negative impacts on the Autistic Community is long and painful to explore. But it is a reality we must address in this country. As Kim Samuel states about Social Isolation 'it paralyzes ones life'. - It can also destroy the feeling of self-worth, feeling accepted, and being seen / heard. High rates of loneliness are common in Autistic people, but also those with mental health issues, ADHD, first Nation people, and other marginalized groups who also suffer damaging rates of Isolation. In the Autistic Community (but not only) Social Isolation and Loneliness impacts in the following areas: Many aspects of Physical health, Mental Health (especially higher and more persistent Depression and Anxiety, Hypervigilance ), Changes to the Brain (actual shrinkage of), a four fold increased rate of Dementia included, a five-time increased risk for Suicidality, and reduced Longevity (around 7 years), etc. Also, we see reduced employment participation, a loss of trust in society (e.g. never going to feel accepted let alone included), extending to a loss of trust in Politics (political parties), reduced educational attainment. Sadly, there is both a stigma and internalized shame factor linked to admitting Loneliness. This shame state needs to be addressed. If we cannot open up to talk about this in safe spaces it makes it very much harder to to then reach out, connect, and take action. With the forthcoming Autism Strategy we have a chance to start to do something meaningful and constructive about Autistic Social Isolation and Loneliness. For Mums / families, Youth, Mature and Seniors. A 'No one left Alone and Undeserving' and a 'Trauma-informed Social Connection' ethos. A key pathway in addressing isolation is to create and promote Social Connection and Belonging opportunities. Especially a peer to peer Lived Experience version of (as we tend to accept each other more for one thing). Developing Autistic-led Peer Connection services for the Autistic Community would be a huge positive step forward, with many real world benefits that could mitigate, or even reverse many of the very negative consequences of Social Isolation & Loneliness. The un-met need for a Autistic peer to peer social connectivity opportunities is a major barrier to inclusion. It is also an impediment to socio-emotional Autistic well-being. Lastly, we need a National capability and commitment to address this, and have actual Social Connection services and resources available. I hope this video (though a general one) helps us all appreciate the issue of Social Isolation, and to motivate us in and beyond the Autistic Community to take thoughtful, compassionate, and meaningful action.