Becoming Connected in a Disconnected and Politically Divided World

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“In this world of social media and cyber-connection, are we really authentically connecting?”

I have been a Clinical Social Worker for (I shudder to say) about 20 years now. When I first started my career, the typical client would come in asking for help with symptoms of depression. However, over the past ten years, complaints center much more often around anxiety, and in particular, social anxiety and lack of feeling connected. About 65% of my clients are between the ages of 12 and 30 with the balance being couples and adults. I have become so concerned over client's reported feelings of isolation and loneliness that I am starting a group for 17 to 25 year olds this coming Monday solely focusing on how to feel and be more connected and part of a community. Over the years, I have learned both with clients and in my own life, that without connection, there is no comfort or contentment.

So, this blog is my first and is really an experiment to document whether there are effective ways to help young adults feel more a part of something bigger than themselves and more confident and self efficacious in social interactions. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!