Friendships and social connections are crucial elements in protecting our mental health.

Friends help us feel happy, comforted, supported and boost our sense of confidence and self-esteem. Loneliness and rejection are very powerful feeders for negative mental health.

The pandemic has had a big impact on our friendships, strengthening some and distancing others.

Here are some connection suggestions:
– Join some groups and clubs that share your interests. Having a common focus can help get a conversation started and provide shared activities.
– Give something to the community by volunteering, by doing something good for someone.
– Learn something new that may help you widen social opportunities. – Re-connect with an old friend.
– Show someone you appreciate them.