Firstly, let's put this song in your head because it's in mine now and you're welcome. This is a topic I am really passionate about for so many reasons. Let's look at some stats to show you the growing problem we are facing as a society.
Here's another quote:
Funny how it mentions the social media paradox and blogging because, hello? I mean, I've been talking about this but not internalizing it. You see I have a problem with friends. or making them. or something... It just seems like ever since I was sort-of forced to focus almost solely on my mental health (2015), my social life has plummeted. I feel like it will never be like it used to, in my early twenties. Which is fine because honestly I spent way too much time with other people and never by myself. I had to have people around me constantly to distract myself from my internal misery. but then I learned to focus on myself. but I feel like I went into myself to really do some good work, but I don't think I ever came back out. I'm still in there very much just peaking out.
When it comes to trying to make more friends- I feel bitter- and misunderstood and constantly changing. It's hard. but I am working on it! I'm currently in therapy twice a week and it's super intense. We are getting into changing some background dialogue I've had in my head since I was a kid. All sorts of "I'm not good enough" type thoughts that need to go away!
Being "mom aged" but not having kids is another factor. I just feel like people with children have all sorts of built in ways to make friends and bond with other parents. and when you don't have kids, the places you go and even your own home may not be kid friendly so it's harder to invite those who do have children into our plans. and I know that those with children and mental illness may find it just as hard as I do to make friends. It's not like I think as soon as I pop one out, I'm gonna have mega-mommy friends groups. (but maybe!) I'm just trying to open my self up and look inside at why things are the way they are and how I can improve it for myself and for others!
How you doin'?
22 percent of millennials say they have “no friends”-Vox.com
If you ever feel disconnected from others, take some solace in the fact that you're not alone. A new report finds many Americans are lonely, and younger adults appear to be the hardest hit.The study, published by the global health service company Cigna, found that 46 percent of U.S. adults report sometimes or always feeling lonely and 47 percent report feeling left out. Cigna calls those "epidemic levels." What's more, only around half of Americans say they have meaningful in-person social interactions on a daily basis, such as having an extended conversation with a friend or spending time with family members. -CBS News
Two in five Americans report that they sometimes or always feel their social relationships are not meaningful, and one in five say they feel lonely or socially isolated. The lack of connection can have life threatening consequences, said Brigham Young University professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad, who testified before the U.S. Senate in April, 2017 that the problem is structural as well as psychological.-social media paradox previous blog post "online community" versus "grounds for anonymous bullying"
When it comes to trying to make more friends- I feel bitter- and misunderstood and constantly changing. It's hard. but I am working on it! I'm currently in therapy twice a week and it's super intense. We are getting into changing some background dialogue I've had in my head since I was a kid. All sorts of "I'm not good enough" type thoughts that need to go away!
Being "mom aged" but not having kids is another factor. I just feel like people with children have all sorts of built in ways to make friends and bond with other parents. and when you don't have kids, the places you go and even your own home may not be kid friendly so it's harder to invite those who do have children into our plans. and I know that those with children and mental illness may find it just as hard as I do to make friends. It's not like I think as soon as I pop one out, I'm gonna have mega-mommy friends groups. (but maybe!) I'm just trying to open my self up and look inside at why things are the way they are and how I can improve it for myself and for others!
How you doin'?
 |
| *sings in nasally voice* "I'll be there for yewwww" |
Comments
Post a Comment