The Lonely Planet

We have all heard so much about the pandemic and its horrible consequences. The isolation, economic hardships, illnesses and deaths have touched every part of the world.

In Canada, where I live, you can feel the heaviness that this year of uncertainty and long winter are having on people.

But do you know the number one health crisis in North America today?

Covid, cancer, heart disease?

The #1 health crisis

No. It is actually loneliness.

In his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World, former United States surgeon general Vivek H. Murthy writes:

Quite simply, human relationship is as essential to our wellbeing as food and water. Just as hunger and thirst are our body’s way of telling us we need to eat and drink, loneliness is the natural signal that reminds us when we need to connect with other people.

We’re not “fine”

A friend who was going through a difficult period in his life told me how much more support he started receiving when he decided to say something other than “fine” when people asked how he was.

When he admitted that he was not doing well at work, people became curious and tried to help.

Loneliness is different than being alone.

It’s something more and more people feel that has nothing to do with having others around us. It is about the absence of true emotional connection.

We need to start sharing more honestly and openly on a regular basis about our joys, challenges and fears. We all long for meaningful conversations that touch our hearts and souls.

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one. You need one because you are human. –  Jane Howard

Take charge of loneliness

Stop hiding and denying loneliness when others who might help (family, friends, doctors, coaches like myself) ask how you are feeling.

Missing someone? ………………………..Call
Want to meet up? …………………Invite
Want to be understood? ………………..Explain
Have questions? ………………. Ask
Like something? Don’t like something? ………..…….Say it
Want something?………………………Ask for it
Love someone? …………………….Tell them

I am here for support if you need someone to listen to you and help you find a new path in your life and relationships. Don’t hesitate to send me a message.