In 2022, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared that we are living in a loneliness epidemic. What exactly does that mean?
According to U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, the loneliness epidemic refers to the widespread and increasing prevalence of loneliness and social isolation in society. In his report, Murthy highlighted that loneliness can have significant negative impacts on physical and mental health, including increased risk of heart disease, depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. He emphasized the need for individuals, communities, and policymakers to address this issue and promote social connections and support networks.
Loneliness can have a detrimental impact on the body. In fact, experiencing chronic loneliness is said to have a mortality rate equivalent to smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.
This data propelled me to write my book, Owning Our Struggles, but I knew I wanted to find other ways to cultivate intimacy and connection with my community, and that is what prompted the launch of my podcast, Mindful With Minaa.
Mindful With Minaa is a podcast dedicated to helping people live with intention and develop healthy relationships with themselves and others through mindfulness.
As an advocate for community care, I believe that connection plays a crucial role in healing. In fact, we are biologically wired for connection. Thanks to attachment theory, we can understand why secure attachments are necessary for building healthy relationships. Without safe and secure relationships, our mental health, self-esteem, sense of self, and more, suffer.
When it comes to community, it is important to recognize that we bring our whole selves into it. Therefore, we must be willing to be introspective and acknowledge how our beliefs, values, and behaviors may harm others. These factors will ultimately impact others either positively or negatively. In chapter five of my book, "Owning Our Struggles," I encourage readers to reflect and assess whether they may be the problem in their relationships rather than the other way around. It is easy to point fingers and play the blame game, but it can be difficult to hold ourselves accountable and acknowledge our wrongdoings. However, as I mentioned in my book, we all have the potential to cause harm, but we can also engage in the work of healing, growing, and learning to do better.
Mindful With Minaa is all about doing the work that's needed to be a better friend, partner, and community member. On my show, I discuss important topics that can impact our mental health and provide tangible solutions and practical strategies on how to overcome them. As a bonus, I also include reflection questions to get you thinking about how the content applies to your own life and ways that you can continue to learn and grow.
Airing January 30th, make sure to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. I can’t wait for you to tune in!
Beautiful work ❤️