Written by: The Meadows Adolescent Center By Melissa Riddle Chalos Teenagers are walking, talking, breathing dichotomies. They may project confidence, arrogance — or any number of adjectives that give parents and teachers pause — but on the inside, they often struggle with anxiety, isolation, and the inability to communicate their true feelings, especially with their families. “Studies show that social relationships have short- and long-term effects on health … and that these effects emerge in childhood and cascade throughout life to foster cumulative advantage or disadvantage in health,” reports the Journal of Health and Social Behavior. This is why it is critical that children learn to build connections in community, to establish healthy social relationships early in childhood and throughout their lives. Every aspect of their health and well-being depends on it: physical, mental, behavior, psychosocial, spiritual, and more. The Benefits of Human Connection Research from dozens of studies over the years confirms the health benefits of social connection. Harvard Health Publishing shared, “People who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer.” People who have satisfying relationships with family, friends and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with strong, healthy relationships and social connections are much less likely to experience serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, dementia, as well as depression and anxiety. Human connection with family, friends, coworkers, and with a community has also shown to do the following: Improve recovery from stress, anxiety, and depression Promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight Improve sleep, well-being, and quality of life Reduce the risk of violent and suicidal behaviors Prevent death from chronic diseases In fact, one study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology followed about 7,000 men and women in Alameda County, California for nine years. They found that those without strong social relationships were roughly three times more likely to die than those with strong social connections. Even those who had poor health habits (such as smoking and obesity) but close social ties lived longer than those with healthier habits and poor relations. But for teens who are especially hardwired for peer and community engagement, support, and acceptance, the power of connection is perhaps even more crucial. Teens need social connection and face-to-face, healthy relationships to stem the tide of isolation and loneliness that is so prevalent in our social media driven culture. Human connection fosters: Emotional Support – When teens feel understood, emotionally validated, and supported by their peers, they are better equipped to cope with life’s challenges. Sense of Belonging – When teens feel connected to others on a meaningful level and feel genuinely cared for, they are more likely to develop a strong sense of self-worth and self-fulfillment because they feel part of something larger than themselves. Hope and Optimism – Engaging in meaningful conversations, shared activities, and positive experiences with friends provides opportunities for laughter, fun, and companionship, which boosts both mood and morale. The Barriers to Connection There are common barriers that thwart healthy relationships among teenagers. First, and obviously so, is technology and social media. A recent Gallup poll shared by Forbes revealed that 51% of US teens (ages 13-19) spend an average of 4.8 hours every day on social media. With that much time invested in curated content that fosters unrealistic expectations and feelings of inadequacy, it’s no wonder teens feel more alone than ever. According to a two-year 2021 Common Sense study, about four out of every 10 teens and young adults reported symptoms of moderate to severe depression, up 25% from the previous two years. Social media usage had a direct correlation to the increase. The study showed that young people with depressive symptoms were nearly twice as likely as those without depression to use social media almost constantly (34% versus 18%). (However, it was unclear whether social media was driving the depression, or whether those struggling with depression were using social media more frequently.) Another barrier to real human connection among youth is the fear of vulnerability. Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and identity formation, and nothing weighs heavier than the fear of judgment or rejection from peers. As a means of self-preservation, teens will put up emotional barriers, a facade of confidence or indifference, because being real with others is simply too risky. And if you can’t be real, you can’t be known. And if you can’t be known, you will not feel connected. If you can’t be real, you can’t be known. And if you can’t be known, you will not feel connected. Lastly, because we live in a culture where achievement is the litmus of self-worth, teenagers’ lives are overfilled with academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. While these are important for personal growth and self-fulfillment, the pressurized schedule leaves teens feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and isolated. That disconnection comes at a high price. Connection & Recovery Addressing the barriers that lead to social isolation in teens truly does “take a village.” Encouraging open communication, fostering empathy and understanding, and promoting healthy social habits can help young people overcome these obstacles and form genuine connections with others. But we all must get involved. The Meadows Adolescent Center understands that when it comes to teens struggling with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, the power of connection is essential to recovery. By fostering connections with peers and engaging in supportive communities, teens can access the resources, encouragement, and understanding they need to navigate the challenges of recovery successfully, including: Peer Support and Understanding – Peer support groups or community programs offer a nonjudgmental environment where young people can open up about their struggles, seek advice, and learn from others who have faced similar challenges. Being able to relate to others’ experiences reduces feelings of isolation and helps you realize you are not alone in your journey towards recovery. Accountability and Motivation – Whether participating in regular support group meetings, group therapy sessions, or engaging in recreational activities with peers, knowing you have a support system in your corner is a powerful motivator to overcome barriers and stay focused on your recovery journey. Learning and Skill Building – Teens can grow exponentially in recovery by learning social skills, coping strategies, relapse prevention techniques, and healthy coping mechanisms from peers and health professionals. These help you manage your mental health or addiction issues effectively. Teens learn and grow best in environments where they’re challenged, engaged, and inspired. Here at The Meadows Adolescent Center, we use a wide range of proven therapy methods to do just that. If your teen is struggling with mental health, we’re here to foster the power of connection and empower your child to move forward toward positive resilience and recovery. Reach out and get connected today.
