This World Mental Health Day (October 10), the importance of social connection for our well-being is being brought into focus with Relationships Australia NSW (RANSW) calling for relationships to be recognised as central to mental health – not an afterthought.
Feeling isolated, lonely or disconnected isn’t just unpleasant — it can have a serious impact on our mental health. In fact, these social struggles are among the biggest drivers of mental ill-health today.
Around one in six people across the globe say they feel lonely, and that lack of connection is linked to an estimated 870,000 deaths every year. Yet despite how vital our relationships are, social wellbeing is still often pushed to the sidelines in a mental health system that tends to treat symptoms instead of looking at the bigger picture of people’s lives.
RANSW CEO Elisabeth Shaw says World Mental Health Day is an important reminder that our mental well-being is deeply shaped by the strength and quality of the relationships around us.
“Every day through our services, we see loneliness and relationship distress as common themes – yet they’re often siloed from mainstream mental health care,” Shaw said.
“Whether it’s an older person impacted by abuse, a couple in crisis, or children affected by family conflict, the emotional toll and disconnection can be devastating if left unaddressed.
“Relationship support must sit at the heart of the mental health system, not on its fringes. By investing in relationships and recognising their importance, we are investing in mental health.”
It’s clear that relationships play a big part in keeping us happy and healthy, and one of the easiest ways to nurture them is by getting out and doing something you enjoy with others. Joining a social group or club that matches your interests — whether it’s a book club, gardening group, dance class or community organisation — is a fun, low-pressure way to meet new people and build meaningful connections.
Volunteering is another wonderful option. Not only does it allow you to give back to your community, but it’s also a great way to connect with people who share your values and passions.
You could also make an effort to attend local community events, which offer plenty of chances to strike up conversations and form new friendships in a relaxed setting.
And if you’re keen to learn something new, signing up for a class or course is a great way to expand your skills while meeting like-minded people who enjoy the same things you do.
A great way to meet like-minded over-60s right around Australia is at your local Starts at 60 Meet Up event. Hosted by volunteers from the Starts at 60 community, Starts at 60 Meet Ups takes place once a month across the country where attendees catch up over coffee or lunch, and most importantly good company. Most events are held at the same location on the same day of each month so you can get to know a group near you and build friendships in your own community.
The importance of the relationships in our lives cannot be understated, so it’s vital that we make the effort to maintain and nurture them. By investing time in the people around us — and being open to forming new connections — we give ourselves the best chance of staying happy, healthy, and mentally strong at any age.
If you or anyone you know needs help: Lifeline — 13 11 14; MensLine Australia — 1300 789 978; BeyondBlue — 1300 224 636; Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467; Headspace — 1800 650 890; Kids Helpline — 1800 551 800.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.