Healthcare

Social Connection as Medicine

Learn why having friends and being part of a community helps you stay healthy.
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Summary
  • Social connection is very important – essential – for health. 
  • However, many neurodivergent people have had a hard time making friends and have a hard time feeling safe around other people because of the ways they have been treated in the past..
  • Neurodivergent people also often struggle to access other social determinants of health.
  • Social relationships that feel safe and non-stressful improve health. 
Key terms:
NeuronormativeSometimes society sends the message that there is only one “normal” way for brains to work. This is not true. Society mostly is designed for people whose brains work in one way. Other people, for example, Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent people, may feel left out. Neurodivergent people often have a hard time accessing school, work, healthcare, and friends.
Neuro-majorityNeuro-majority means the group of people whose brains work like most people. The world is mostly made for them.
Social determinants of healthEveryday things around you that can affect how healthy you are. These things include where you live, whether you have enough food, money, and people to support you.
Attribution:
Sarah Knutson (2/13/2024)
Year Published:
2024
Video Length:
58:48