Connecting in a disconnected world.

Humans are social beings. We thrive on connection and desire a sense of belonging. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on how we connect. We developed new ways of connecting, which threw us out of our comfort zones in how we were used to connecting previously.

Ever wondered why the impact of social media or peer pressure can be so far-reaching? That’s because of the need to be socially connected. Most people experience a sense of satisfaction when seeing a few likes and views on their new social media posts. But the consequences for someone who struggles with connecting or feels like they don’t belong can have dire consequences. The mental health implications of this are not uncommon. They can include an array of afflictions, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, eating disorders and in some cases, personality disorders.

The road to self-discovery is complex and lengthy, sometimes extending far into adulthood. It is often a challenging and psychologically taxing process for teens to figure out who they are whilst trying to “fit in”. This journey can have an extreme impact on their self-worth and ability to function in various spaces (academic, home, etc.). Often, parents and families forget the numerous other challenges their high school children face, in conjunction with those mentioned above.

Empathy is the most valuable tool anyone can use when trying to connect and provide emotional support to teenagers. Showing the next person that you are willing to understand what they are going through can foster a great sense of understanding, acceptance and care between two individuals. Here are a few more tips you can try.

Here are a few tips you can try to connect better with your loved ones:

1.      Create opportunities for connection

2.      Be patient: people respond differently, so be gentle and patient

3.      Be present: when you are with loved ones, give them your undivided attention (everyone loves feeling heard)

4.      Maintenance: check-up and check-in with loved ones.

5.      Step out of your comfort zone: be open to making new connections with someone you usually wouldn’t interact with. 

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