Singaporeans have now articulated the overwhelming importance of social health! Interestingly, social health seldom gets highlighted. It is usually overshadowed by mental health.
According to a recent survey commissioned and reported by the Straits Times (28/9/21), Singaporeans were least willing to put up with curbs on social life (compared with all other the restrictions) imposed during the pandemic. This finding is hardly surprising because we are social creatures.
Social health is fundamental to human society. It forms the basis for mental health. Social health and mental health go hand in hand. Mental health focuses on an individual; social health on links to the broader community – where and how we live our daily lives. Together with physical health, they form the three-legged stool that supports holistic health.
We grow up in families and become part of broader groupings of families. We form communities in schools, universities, and where we work. Not only that, we integrate ourselves into the fabric of these communities; we support the system, and the system supports us. When we become disconnected from the system, we face tremendous problems. One big problem is loneliness and a loss of a sense of belonging.
Loneliness is a devastating problem with well-documented detrimental health issues – comparable to smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, and high blood pressure. Social isolation can derange us. Governments and jailers know that – put a person in solitary detention, and he goes crazy. International law today recognises solitary confinement as torture under international law.
Isolation, a lack of social connectivity, affects mental health. The most tragic consequence of loneliness is suicide in a prison cell or the community. Suicide goes against our most powerful human instinct – to live – to survive. Religions and even laws forbid it!
We belong to a social group of animals, the primates. Primates have large brains. Our brains are much larger than required for finding food. They grew more prominent as we acquired more and more social skills to manage complex relationships to improve our survival capabilities.
We all know how to keep physically fit – what to do and what not to do. We also need to know how to stay socially healthy – understand both amicable and conflicting relationships – and live harmoniously with others. Contributing and playing meaningful roles in group activities are indicators of good social health.
Our development as social creatures explains why Singaporeans are so unwilling to put up with restrictions placed on social life. The coronavirus pandemic’s curbs on social life are now considered the most distressing part. Just look at the street demonstrations against social restrictions in liberal democratic countries!
Stay healthy – stay socially connected – they are fundamental for mental health!
Vince
Dr Vincent Chong is a retired Professor of Radiology at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
