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Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast

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234 How Building Meaningful Connections Can Combat the Effects of Loneliness

Oct 5, 2023

Episode Summary: 

Have you felt the pang of loneliness? Do you find yourself longing for deeper connections, for meaningful friendship? People are designed to be in community with one another, yet so many of us suffer from loneliness and isolation. Feelings of disconnect are more common than you may have realized and can have devastating consequences. My colleague, Dr. Gregory Jantz, and I want to help you with that. In this episode, we talk about how building meaningful connections can combat the effects of loneliness.

 

Quotables from the episode:

  • Pre-pandemic studies revealed that over 61% of the population admitted to feeling lonely.
  • The majority of people can’t name one close friend.
  • Everything on social media is instant, and social media says we’re more connected when in reality, the opposite is true.
  • Those who are lonely tend to experience a foreshortened future with no hope.
  • Loneliness is really disconnection and longing for relationships.
  • Isolation and loneliness are serious problems with real and often devastating consequences.
  • Humans are social creatures in need of connection with others.
  • Lack of strong relationships increases premature death by 50%.
  • When we need people the most, we tend to withdraw.
  • Real connection means connecting with real people. It requires an investment of time, emotions, and trust.
  • There is a high cost to loneliness including decreased immune system, physical ailments, decreased mood, increased anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and increased panic.
  • A universal critical need is the need to feel understood.
  • Hope comes with a plan.

 

Scripture References:

  • Genesis 2:18 “It is not good for the man to be alone.”
  • Proverbs 27:9 “The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
  • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

 

Recommended Resources: 

 

Social Media Links for Guest and Host:

Connect with Dr. Gregory Jantz:

Website

For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at:

Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube

Guest:

Dr. Gregg Jantz is a psychologist, a licensed mental health counselor, and the host of a national radio program. He is recognized as a leading authority on family relationships, and brings a message of hope and healing to audiences through seminars, conferences, and media. He is the founder of The Center—A Place of Hope.

 

Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson
Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson