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: 

• The Power of Connection: Maximize Your Health and happiness with Close Relationships by Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D.
• The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms  
• Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day
• YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
• Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide
• Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip
• Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award
• Trusting God Through Cancer 1
• Trusting God Through Cancer 2
• Revive & Thrive Women's Conference
• Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.)
• Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win

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

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