This is a topic that is not new to our readers, but several things have made it top of mind for me recently. First, writing a course that is now known as The Art and Science of Mental Wellbeing, in which our content goes beyond stress and its effects, and secondly, experiencing ten days of cyclone threat in Queensland!
Why those two “events” got me thinking about the very real challenge of isolation is self-evident. In order to have good mental wellbeing, we need to feel connected to others, yet loneliness and a sense of isolation are increasingly common in today’s world. A weather event can cause many things to surface—fear being one of them—and people instinctively reach out to others as a way of coping.
So, as I immersed myself in my current project at work and my life in real-time, a few key reflections stood out.
1. Isolation Looks Different for Everyone
It’s possible to feel lonely in a crowd (even within a family), to feel disconnected in a relationship where communication has broken down, or to live in a community but rarely have meaningful interactions. Our modern lifestyles, while full of digital “connection,” can still leave us feeling alone.
2. The Hidden Costs of Isolation
Loneliness isn’t just an unpleasant feeling—it has a real impact on health. Research suggests that chronic loneliness can be as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It’s linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. The World Health Organization has identified social isolation as a growing public health concern, and it’s not hard to see why.
Despite being more digitally connected than ever, many people feel more disconnected in their daily lives. Remote work, shifting social norms, and even busy lifestyles can mean we go long stretches without meaningful conversation or shared experiences.
3. How Can We Create More Connection?
If connection is the antidote to isolation, how do we make it happen? A few simple but powerful shifts can help:
- Making face-to-face interactions a priority – Whether it’s catching up with a friend over coffee, joining a local group, or simply making small talk with a neighbour, real-world interactions matter.
- Being the one to reach out – It’s easy to wait for others to take the first step, but a simple message or phone call can be the bridge someone else needs, too.
- Building connection into daily life – Taking part in community activities, group hobbies, or even attending regular events at the same place can create natural opportunities to connect.
- Asking for support when needed – Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start. Cyclone Alfred brought people together as some asked for help, information or even reassurance about what was ahead. And others were there to provide it. Does it always take a catastrophe to make this happen? Yet in daily life we hesitate to connect in this way. This is where coaching can play a role.
4. The Role of Coaching in Overcoming Isolation
Coaching isn’t just about setting goals or building new habits—it’s also about deepening self-awareness. A wellness coach can help someone uncover what’s holding them back from connection, explore new ways of engaging with others, and provide accountability in taking small but meaningful steps toward building relationships.
Whether it’s shifting unhelpful thought patterns, creating opportunities for social interaction, or simply having a supportive space to talk things through, coaching can be a valuable tool in navigating loneliness and reconnecting with life.
5. Coaching can also be isolating
We are very aware that many of our graduates begin their work feeling inspired, passionate and optimistic about using their new skill set. Then 12 months down the track, or even in the process of setting up their business, they become vulnerable to the effects of working alone.
This can apply to those who have been in the profession for a while and of course it is not only coaches that experience this. We are in the process of creating and launching a community of practice which will be known as The Synergy Space where we hope to provide a solution to this problem and allow new and experienced health and wellness coaches to come together to share ideas, to offer support and even create new enterprises. Watch this space for more information.
Recommended reading:
The Joy of Connections by Dr Ruth Westheimer
