Overview

Acts of Connection is an initiative that aims to combat social isolation and foster connection in Weld County. The campaign was created by the many organizations that are part of the Healthy Mind and Spirit workgroup of Thriving Weld. Acts of Connection encourages us all to find ways to connect with others, build relationships, and promote a stronger sense of wellbeing and a culture of connection for all.

According to recent surveys, about half of all US adults report experiencing loneliness or social isolation. These feelings of disconnect can affect anyone, of all ages and backgrounds, and are far more widespread and common than we realize. Human beings are biologically wired for connection. Over many years, our brains have adapted to expect being close to others. Lacking connection hurts our health and wellbeing because it is as essential to survival as oxygen, food, water, and shelter. When we get lonely, it’s a sign that we could use some meaningful connection.

Acts of Connection aims to:

• Increase awareness of social isolation and loneliness
• Change the way social connection and loneliness are perceived in Weld County
• Drive action toward and increase opportunities for connection
• Promote values of kindness, respect, service, and commitment to each other
• Create community through shared support networks
• Encourage and amplify local activities and events that increase belonging in Weld County
• Reduce poor mental health and suicide rates through the power of social connection

It’s up to each of us to take a step towards connection. This can start with building strong and meaningful relationships, so no one feels alone. Look for opportunities to connect with your neighbors and community in fun, relaxing, and positive ways. Say hi to the person you see on your morning walk or call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Step out of your comfort zone and check out the fun things our communities have to offer.

To learn more about how we can all help promote social connection in Weld County, visit ActsofConnectionWeld.org and check out their toolkit for ways to get started.

Loneliness and Social Isolation

There are many reasons people feel lonely. This is especially true since loneliness is the perceived lack of meaningful connection. In other words, there’s a difference between what we want from our connections with others and what we’re getting – so we’re lonely. This is why it can be difficult to tell when others are lonely, or to understand why we might be feeling lonely, because you can be lonely surrounded by people. This is different from social isolation which is when we lack relationships with others and have little to no social support or contact with others.

Causes of Loneliness

Some of the main reasons people can feel lonely are:   

• Leaving home in the transition to college/further education or employment
• Changes in relationships
• Mental health challenges
• Living alone
• Loss of friends or family
• Chronic health conditions (including hearing loss)
• Connecting on digital platforms rather than face-to-face connections
• Life events such as: the end of a relationship, job loss or change, start of college, transition to parenthood, a move to new area, or retirement 

Combatting Loneliness

If you’re feeling lonely there are things you can do to connect with others. Here is a list of some things you could try. It’s important to make small manageable changes and build from there. Like starting anything new, you may be uncomfortable at first, but the more you reach out, the easier it will become, especially when you start feeling the positive benefits of connecting with others.

Some things you should try, that may be less intimidating, are:

• Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues you haven’t talked with in a while and start a conversation.
• Schedule time each day to connect with others in person, by phone, or online – start calling your old friends or family that you haven’t talked to in a while every week.
• Practice self-care and focus on enjoyable activities.
• Use positive self-talk and acknowledge personal successes and good qualities.
• Find a community or support group online or use social media to connect with like-minded people.

Once you feel more comfortable reaching out and connecting you could:

• Volunteer in the community or with a local organization – be sure to tell the coordinator you want to volunteer in a way that lets you connect with others.
• Engage in enjoyable activities, pursue a hobby, or take a class to learn a new skill – get out to meet new people and connect with a community that shares the same interests you have.
• Get regular exercise (walking is great) and consider joining an exercise group.
• Reach out to connect with neighbors, colleagues, or others in your community.
• Look for events, meetups, or local activities.
• Consider adopting a pet, if you are able to care for one.

Resources for Coping with Loneliness

 Sometimes, no matter what we do, we can still feel lonely. If you’ve tried combatting loneliness, but find that it’s not helping, you’re still feeling lonely, sad, or anxious most days, then it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.

You should reach out to someone you trust to let them know how you’re feeling and talk with a doctor or counselor.

• If you have a doctor that you consider your doctor, you should make an appointment with them to talk about your feelings of loneliness.
• If you don’t have a doctor that you consider your doctor, you should make an appointment with a counselor. Some options in Weld County listed below. 

Online Resources

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Colorado Line: (303) 321-3104
Helpline: (800) 950-6264 or text "NAMI" to 741741
National resource for mental illness, finding help with professionals and medication, crisis support, understanding diagnoses, and more.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-8255 (available 24/7) or (800) 799-4889
A U.S.-based suicide prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Lifeline CHAT or TTY
Lifeline Texting or text "HOME" to 741741
Lifeline for Veterans

Mental Health Colorado: (720) 208-2220
An affiliate of Mental Health America that advocates for the more than 1 million Coloradans who experience a mental health or substance use disorder each year. Works to promote mental wellness, ensure equitable access to mental health and substance use services, and end stigma and discrimination. Go to www.mentalhealthcolorado.org for more information.
Latino/Hispanic Communities:
Information and resources on mental health in the Latino and Hispanic communities, including many Spanish language materials, can be found on this Mental Health America webpage.

Man Therapy: (800) 273-8255
Mental health support and resources geared specifically toward men to deal with issues like depression, anxiety, anger, and suicidal thoughts.
For Veterans: 
(800) 273-8255, press 1 or text 838255

All Mental Health
An online team specializing in the digital mental health experience.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
A one-stop access to U.S. government mental health and mental health problems information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

7 Cups
Online chat and therapy. Both free and fee-based services are available. Services specifically for teens available. Available 24/7.

What to do if a Loved One is Experiencing Loneliness

It’s important to identify and connect with those people in your life that may be experiencing loneliness. Some common signs that someone may be experiencing loneliness are:

• They seem isolated or disconnected from other people.
• They feel that nobody understands them.
• They say they have nobody to turn to or talk with.
• They tell you they’re feeling sad and/or lonely.
• You may also notice physical changes such as lack of focus or concentration and changes in appetite, sleep, or energy levels.

If you notice these things, you should

1. Ask the person how they are feeling and if they think they may be lonely.
2. Stay in touch with them through visits, calls, or messages.
3. Suggest activities to do together.
4. Be reliable and honor the commitments you’ve made. If you’ve said you’d call or visit be sure to follow-through and call/visit them.
5. Suggest they contact a healthcare professional (physician or counselor) if they are having difficulties with their mental health and their loneliness doesn’t improve.