Positive social connections are important for our physical and mental well-being. They can provide emotional support, practical assistance, information and a sense of belonging.

A deeper connection can be fostered by building empathy for someone.

The converse is also true: social isolation causes health problems.

People who experience solitary confinement are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis. The practice also affects physical health, increasing a person’s risk for a range of conditions, including fractures, vision loss, and chronic pain.

Regulating and Stabilizing the Limbic System

Relationships impact our limbic systems to the point that a healthy relationship can help both parties regulate and stabilize their emotions:

There is no system relationships impact more profoundly than the limbic: our neurophysiological command center of emotion.

Total self-sufficiency turns out to be a daydream whose bubble is burst by the sharp edge of the limbic brain. Stability means finding people who regulate you well and staying near them.

Negative Health Effects

Relationships are so important to humans, the loss of one through death or break-up yields strong emotions that deeply affect us.

Relationships are crucial to our survival as a human race. They facilitate our reproduction, provide love and a nurturing environment for our development, enhance our life opportunities and extend our survival.