Connection as Medicine
Are You Feeling Isolated? Recognizing the Signs
Isolation can sneak up on us in the most subtle ways, but the impact is anything but subtle.
Maybe you feel disconnected, like you're not truly seen or heard—even when you're surrounded by people. Or perhaps you find yourself spending more time alone than you'd like, and it leaves you feeling restless, uneasy, or even a bit out of sync.
It’s possible you're hesitating to reach out for help, thinking no one will understand—or that it’s just easier to handle everything on your own. When relationships start to feel shallow, hobbies lose their spark, and you're left feeling invisible or anxious about being alone, these are all red flags that isolation may be taking a toll.
But here’s the good news: there’s a way forward. Building connections and fostering community can be a game changer. Experts agree—whether we’re healing from trauma, protecting our mental health, or simply trying to find joy in daily life, community is crucial for helping us thrive.
Experts Agree: Community Heals
"My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."
— Desmond Tutu
These words from Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu remind us that we are deeply connected beings. Being part of a community isn’t just a nice idea; it’s essential for our well-being. Trauma specialist Bessel van der Kolk, in his book The Body Keeps the Score, points out that study after study shows that having a solid support network is one of the best ways to protect ourselves from trauma. Resmaa Menakem, a therapist and author of My Grandmother's Hands, echoes this, emphasizing that “Trauma is a social experience, not just an individual experience. It is healed in community.”
Even U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called loneliness and isolation an “epidemic” in America, warning of its dangerous effects on both mental and physical health. But there’s hope. Dr. Murthy offers practical steps, like the “5-for-5 Connection Challenge,” designed to help rebuild relationships and foster meaningful connections.
These insights point to one simple, yet profound truth: human connection is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline. By nurturing meaningful relationships, we not only protect ourselves but also lay the foundation for healing and resilience.
The Power of Healthy Community
You might be wondering, "What makes community so powerful?" Well, according to John McKnight, a civil rights leader, community organizer, and professor at Northwestern University, it's about sharing our gifts and creating spaces where everyone feels valued. As a leading advocate for building strong neighborhoods, he reminds us that thriving communities are built on real connections, where every individual has something meaningful to contribute.
Thriving communities don’t just meet basic needs; they care for one another, raise kids, protect the environment, and foster a sense of belonging.
Being part of a supportive community isn’t just nice—it’s transformative. We’re at our best when we’re part of something bigger, a place where our stories, struggles, and strengths matter.
A Local Champion: Family Voices of Minnesota
A couple of months ago, I found myself lying in bed late at night, utterly overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting children with disabilities. In that moment, the weight of isolation felt unbearable. So, like many of us, I turned to Google in search of a lifeline, hoping to find someone, anyone, who truly understood. That’s when I found Family Voices, a national nonprofit with heart, they are dedicated to supporting families of children with special healthcare needs. I clicked the link that said, “Find support in your local community.”
What I found on the Family Voices of Minnesota page hit me like a beacon of hope:
One in five Minnesota families with children have a child with a disability or chronic health condition.
Connecting with another parent is critical to knowing where to look for resources and services for our children and youth.
We do not have to feel alone.
In that instant, a path out of my isolation appeared. A glimpse of hope that I wasn’t alone in this journey. I clicked on “Get Connected” and filled out a form, not quite knowing what to expect. To my surprise, within just one day, I received an email offering to schedule a phone call.
I quickly set up the call, and that’s when I met Elizabeth Marsh—a parent support navigator, also a mother of a child with a disability. She shared a wealth of kindness, knowledge, compassion, and resources that immediately lightened my load. She also invited me to join a virtual parent group for networking, emotional support, and connection.
A few weeks later, I logged into the group and discovered exactly what I had been craving: understanding. I listened to others share their stories, and I shared my own. I shed tears of relief as I realized I wasn’t alone. I was finally connected. The emotional relief I’ve experienced through this organization has been transformative—deep, somatic relief that reminds me of the incredible power of community.
Finding Community
Finding your community can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but there are incredible organizations already paving the way. One shining example is Family Voices. Through advocacy, peer connections, and resources, they empower parents to become advocates for better care. But they’re not just listening to family stories—they’re turning those stories into action, creating a future where every family feels seen, heard, and supported. Family Voices stands as living proof that community has the power to change lives. It’s a space where we come together to share experiences, amplify voices, and build a brighter, more connected future—not just for our children, but for all of us.
My hope is that this story inspires you to seek out your own community. The effort is worth it. Finding community begins with taking small steps, like joining a class, attending a meetup, or even reaching out to someone new. Look for spaces where you feel seen and supported, and let your shared experiences create meaningful bonds.
However, sometimes we find ourselves feeling blocked or unable to take these steps. This may be because parts of ourselves—often deeply rooted in past experiences—are holding us back. These "parts" can be inner voices or aspects of our personality that feel afraid, unworthy, or protective due to past pain or trauma. These parts may not trust that seeking connection is safe or possible. Through self-reflection and inner work, we can begin to understand and heal these parts, allowing them to unburden themselves and step into the world with more freedom.
As you begin to connect with yourself and heal internally, your journey toward finding belonging in community can become a source of transformation—not only for you but for those around you. Together, we can uplift one another and create something truly meaningful.
