{"id":16393,"date":"2023-06-06T17:25:58","date_gmt":"2023-06-06T17:25:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/?p=16393"},"modified":"2023-06-06T17:25:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-06T17:25:58","slug":"the-power-of-social-connectedness-endorsing-the-surgeon-generals-approach-to-resolving-americas-epidemic-of-loneliness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jedfoundation.org\/the-power-of-social-connectedness-endorsing-the-surgeon-generals-approach-to-resolving-americas-epidemic-of-loneliness\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Social Connectedness: Endorsing the Surgeon General\u2019s Approach to Resolving America\u2019s \u201cEpidemic of Loneliness\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

Loneliness is not an isolated, individual experience; it has the potential to negatively affect entire communities, with long-lasting consequences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called loneliness <\/span>a threat to the nation\u2019s health<\/span><\/a>, saying that its mortality impact is \u201csimilar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.\u201d This epidemic affects all ages, socioeconomic levels, and racial and ethnic groups in the United States.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To address the issue, Dr. Murthy proposed a\u00a0<\/span>national framework to rebuild connection and community<\/span><\/a> in America.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jed Foundation (JED) endorses the Surgeon General\u2019s efforts to curb this \u201cepidemic of loneliness and isolation\u201d by facilitating social connectedness. JED\u2019s mission is to protect the mental health of teens and young adults and prevent suicide. Loneliness and isolation, including experiences of being bullied or marginalized, are significant risk factors for mental health problems and suicidal behavior; conversely, the scientific link between social connectedness and mental health-promoting behaviors is powerful and longstanding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the pillars of JED\u2019s <\/span>evidence-based Comprehensive Approach<\/span><\/a> is promoting social connectedness in schools and communities. Adolescents and young adults who feel connected to and cared for by others are less likely to experience emotional distress or suicidal ideation, and they are less likely to engage in substance misuse or attempt suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Jed Foundation is pleased that the Surgeon General\u2019s framework aligns with the work that the organization has been undertaking for over two decades. Emphasizing the need to proactively nurture human connection as a national health imperative, his plan outlines measures to rebuild our social infrastructure. It recommends actionable steps for various entities, including schools, community organizations, and media and technology companies. JED expands upon those recommendations below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating Inclusive School Climates<\/b><\/p>\n

Schools are one of the most powerful places for young people to experience social connectedness. For example, schools that demonstrate inclusivity toward the most marginalized groups, on a day-to-day basis, and incorporate social acceptance into their value systems, make <\/span>all<\/span><\/i> students feel more connected and protected.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recommendations for schools include:<\/span><\/p>\n