How to Find Connection When You Really Need It

If you've ever thought, "I need someone to talk to," it can be challenging to know where to start. If you need someone to talk to, friends and family are one option. Online forums, support groups, therapists, clubs, hotlines, and religious organizations can also be helpful. "Having open conversations with others is invaluable for mental health. It provides emotional support, diverse perspectives, validation, and coping strategies and helps break down the barriers associated with mental health," explains Stacey Neal, MD, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in Baltimore, Maryland. While having someone to talk to is critical for well-being, loneliness, and isolation have become an epidemic in the United States, Neal notes. Such isolation can have devastating consequences on both mental and physical health.According to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General, poor social connections increase the risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and dementia in older adults by 50%. If you feel like...