The Loneliness Epidemic*

• We evolved to live in close, collaborative connections with other human beings and when we feel alone we feel endangered/highly stressed.
• Since the 1930s, Americans have been getting less involved with community and more isolated.
• One study showed that, while in earlier decades Americans said on average that they have three confidants, in 2004 the average was zero confidants.
• Translation: Many of us have no close friends.
• Our families are more disconnected too—we don’t eat together, we don’t live near one another, we don’t do activities with our family members as regularly as we used to.
• And, loneliness tends to spiral because as we become more isolated we often also become more suspicious of others.
• Loneliness is a feeling of disconnection. We can feel lonely when in the company of other people.
• Feeling lonely causes our cortisol (the “stress hormone”) to soar—as much as some of the most upsetting things that can happen to us.
• Feeling lonely is as stressful as being punched by a stranger.
• Isolated people get sicker.
• Isolated people have lessened survival periods when living with cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
• Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety.
• To end loneliness, we need to feel like we’re sharing – giving and receiving—with at least one other person.
• We need to feel that we’re “in it together” with at least one other person.
• Internet addiction is sometimes the attempted solution to the anxiety and depression associated with loneliness.
• Social media is not the solution—it tends to increase feelings of loneliness.
• Steps toward solutions:
  • Limit time online.
  • Increase time in face-to-face interaction with friends & family.
  • Get involved:
    • Volunteer – reach out to help others in need.
    • Work on community projects.
    • Take classes.

* This information comes mostly from Johan Hari’s Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression—and the Unexpected Solutions.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/how-to-fight-the-loneliness-epidemic/1826056978

We may have more “friends” than ever thanks to social media, but we’re often missing the deeper connection of true friendship. Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio, Founder of GreenGate Leadership tells us more.

In his book Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents, Ken describes friendship as, “Life is a team sport and having even one or two good friends on our team boosts us in countless ways. Friends give us our first experience of loving connection outside our families. Showing us the goodness in the world, genuine friends confirm our spiritual impulse to reach beyond ourselves with kindness and hope. Friends share love, support, acceptance, understanding, positive challenges, constructive criticism, a variety of perspectives, and endless inspiration. Friends buoy one another through turbulent times, giving nurturance that, for the fortunate, will last a lifetime. Bearing witness to one another’s lives across the years, friends become the coauthors of our shared life stories, helping us remember, make sense of, and cherish our time here.”

Some skills to work at to foster deeper friendships are:

• spending time together in person
• listening without interruption
• showing sincere interest over time
• taking turns
• accepting differences
• respecting personal boundaries

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/skills-to-build-stronger-lasting-friendships/1756649430

Ken Dolan Del-Vecchio, founder of GreenGate Leadership, discussed how men should be acting in the #MeToo era that has set new standards and freedoms for all genders.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/what-men-should-do-in-the-metoo-era/1638887341

Ken Dolan Del-Vecchio, President of GreenGate Leadership shared tips to teach your children and get kids involved & excited to vote!
Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/helping-your-kids-understand-the-voting-process-/1528182447

Sometimes it feels like your older children don’t want to hear your opinion. Or they won’t open up to share what’s going on in their lives. How can we improve the way we talk to our kids?

Here to help us make our children feel comfortable enough to open up to us is Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio.

Source: https://www.wwlp.com/mass-appeal/ways-to-help-improve-communication-with-your-kids/1351454470