At present, I am engrossed in the compelling book “The Myth of Normal” penned by the renowned Gabor Maté. It’s a weighty tome indeed. As I have previously discussed in my blog posts, I actively follow Maté on various platforms, and his insights have been invaluable. The book delves deep into the profound impact of traumas on chronic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Maté shares the experiences of his patients, shedding light on the underlying reasons behind their addictions. Towards the conclusion, he eloquently highlights the vital role that human connections, compassion, and self-care play in the journey of healing.
One particular aspect that surprised me: the insatiable longing for human connections. It struck me how we often present ourselves as strong, independent individuals, yearning for a peaceful haven with a serene backyard, free from any disturbances. However, deep down, we possess an inherent craving for connections that goes beyond our self-imposed image. May be due to,
#Survival and protection: Throughout history, we, humans have relied on social groups to fend off external threats and secure essential resources. In essence, our interconnectedness has ensured our safety and well-being.
#Emotional well-being: Despite our desire for self-sufficiency, we are emotional beings who thrive on meaningful interactions. Building connections allows us to share our experiences, express our feelings, and receive the much-needed emotional support. Being understood, validated, and loved bolsters our happiness and mental health.
#Sense of belonging: We possess an inherent desire to be part of a community, to find our place within society. It is through connections that we establish relationships and bonds that provide us with identity, purpose, and a feeling of significance.
#Learning and growth: When we engage with others, we have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, ideas, and perspectives. Through these interactions, we expand our horizons, acquire new skills, gain insights, and adapt to changing circumstances. Connections propel us forward on the path of personal development.
#Psychological needs: Psychologist Abraham Maslow identified belongingness and love as essential human needs in his hierarchy. Forming connections allows us to fulfill these needs, promoting self-esteem, self-worth, and self-actualization.
#Empathy and social support: As we forge relationships and bonds, we develop the ability to understand and share the emotions, experiences, and perspectives of others. This empathy nurtures compassion and altruism, making us more inclined to provide assistance, guidance, and care to those with whom we are connected.
#Stress reduction and increased resilience: Research shows that social connections serve as a buffer against stress and contribute to our overall resilience. During challenging times, having a support system can alleviate the burden and provide comfort. Sharing our struggles and receiving emotional support helps us cope better and promotes our mental and physical well-being.
Upon reflecting on these points, it becomes evident that they carry substantial weight, although their relevance may vary from person to person. Deep down, there exists a fundamental desire within us to be seen, heard, acknowledged, and validated. Interestingly, the book suggests that this yearning often originates during childhood. Unresolved traumas from our early years can resurface and manifest as chronic diseases later in life.
While my thoughts meandered through my mind, I stumbled upon another intriguing post from Adam Grant, the esteemed author of “Think Again, Originals, and etc.” Allow me to share the post with you.
The post was based on a fascinating article published in Nature. The findings were quite remarkable. It turns out that there’s a strong connection between social isolation, loneliness, and mortality, especially among older adults and those with chronic diseases. These results indicate that social isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for mortality. The good news is that taking steps to reduce social isolation and loneliness could have a meaningful impact on public health.
The absence of human connections can result in consequences that reach beyond our physical well-being. It affects various aspects of our lives, including our mental and emotional health. Some of them are,
#Decreased mental stimulation: When we interact with others, we have opportunities for mental engagement and cognitive challenges. If we lack connections, we miss out on intellectually stimulating conversations, the chance to learn from different perspectives, and the ability to broaden our horizons. As a result, we may experience a decline in cognitive abilities and a sense of stagnation.
#Hindered personal growth: When we interact with others, we have valuable avenues for growth and development. Through these interactions, we receive feedback, acquire new skills, gain insights, and expand our knowledge. If we do not have sufficient connections, the opportunities for personal growth may be limited, impeding our potential and fulfillment.
#Impaired social skills: Regular social interactions help us develop and hone social skills, such as empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. If we are devoid of connections, we may struggle with forming and maintaining relationships, further perpetuating feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can create a cycle that hampers social skills and exacerbates the sense of being disconnected from others.
It’s clear that human connections have a huge impact on our well-being. It’s not just about physical health; it affects our mental and emotional lives too. We are social creatures by nature, and our longing for connection is deeply rooted in our biology and psychology. When we lack connections, we miss out on mental stimulation, personal growth, and social skills. So let’s remember the importance of connections and make an effort to build meaningful relationships for a happier, healthier life. Let’s prioritize and cherish our connections.
Cheers!
PS: I strongly recommend this book (Not sponsored)
I do send out my posts to very few people. Join my mailing list if you enjoy what you read.
Random Whys 
One thought on “Craving Connection: Why We Need It More Than We Think!”
Comments are closed.