Building Social Connections

Giving support is just as important as receiving it.  You depend on your friends and relatives, however, they rely on you, too.  To continue to build social connections in your life, ask others about their interests, families and jobs, etc., rather than simply focusing on your own challenges or talking about yourself.

Learn when it is time to listen or simply enjoy others’ company.  Providing support to another person builds the social bonds that make you more resilient, improve your mental and physical health and help you cope with the stresses of life.

There are many ways to form positive relationships.  Invite someone who makes you laugh to see a funny movie with you.  Send an encouraging text or E-Mail to a person who is experiencing a difficult time.  Find a faith community that shares your views and participate in one or more of its organized social groups.  Call a food bank, a hospital or an animal shelter and ask about its volunteer programs. (Volunteers for Change, a program of Volunteer Fairfax, has over 50 weekend and evening volunteer opportunities available each month. Learn more at http://www.volunteerfairfax.org/individuals/volunteers-for-change.php?.)  Consider joining an area support group for individuals with depression or other mental health issues.  Try visiting a new restaurant or holding a Game Night with friends or acquaintances to increase the opportunity for conversation (as compared to simply watching a movie or television together).

Schedule activities ahead of time.  This makes it far more likely that you will follow through with your plans and see others.

As difficult as socializing can be when you are depressed, it is a necessary part of your recovery.  Spending time with others can reduce your loneliness and provide a reminder that there are people who truly care about you.