A Surgeon General’s Warning: We Need Community

A client of mine recently had a powerful realization. 

After months of working on strategies to improve her nutrition, exercise, and sleep regimens, she had an epiphany during one of our final sessions: what she needed most to support her well-being was a vibrant, supportive community. 

She committed to stepping outside her comfort zone and prioritizing this foundation of well-being.

Her story stuck with me because it reflects something so many of us feel but don’t always name: we’re missing true connection. Our communities —and the oxytocin-fueled connection they provide - are essential for long-term health.

It’s why the outgoing Surgeon General’s recent warning about the crisis of disconnection resonates so deeply.

If you missed it, you can read an excerpt here. 

Beyond economic hardship, mental health challenges, and uncertainty about the future, there’s a quieter epidemic unfolding. 

Too many of us have drifted away from the rituals and gatherings that once kept us connected. 

Attendance at church and civic organizations has dropped. 

Neighborhood block parties and community events are rare. 

Even regular family dinners have fallen by the wayside in favor of packed schedules and convenience.

Instead, we’ve filled the gaps with remote work, busy lifestyles, and social media. But these replacements often leave us feeling more isolated than ever.

The Surgeon General highlights three pillars of true community—what he calls the "triad of fulfillment":

And as you can see, each of these are being challenged in today's modern world: 

Relationships: Half of young people and a third of adults report feeling lonely. Loneliness isn’t just an emotional struggle; it’s a health risk as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Service: Opportunities to help others—formally or informally—have become less common. Yet service connects us to something larger than ourselves.

Purpose: Many adults report struggling to find meaning in their lives. Without it, fulfillment feels out of reach.

Rebuilding community means intentionally recentering our lives around these pillars. It’s about showing up for ourselves and others in meaningful ways—and it’s simpler than you might think.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Rekindle old friendships: Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while, or invite them for coffee. A little effort can reignite meaningful connections.

• Meet new people: Join a local class, attend a community event, or start a new hobby where you can connect with others.  Meet a new neighbor.

• Serve others: Volunteer for a cause you believe in, help a neighbor, or mentor someone who could use guidance.

• Rediscover shared purpose: Look for opportunities to collaborate—whether it’s a local project, a club, or a shared activity that energizes you.

• Take the initiative to start a new ritual of gathering: Start a book club, a game night or a dinner club.  Ask 2-3 friends that you think may be interested, and have them bring along one of their friends to the first gathering.  It's a great strategy for expanding your social circle.

Community doesn’t just happen—it’s something we create with care and intention. 

And it’s worth it. Because relationships, service, and purpose aren’t just “extras” for a good life. They’re the foundation of health, fulfillment, and resilience.

So this week, I encourage you to take one small step: reach out to someone, show up for an event, or just introduce yourself to someone new. 

How do relationships, service, and purpose show up in your life? Shoot me an email (anne@anneengelhealth.com) — I’d love to hear your thoughts!  

And if you have any ideas for building community, I'd love to hear about that too, and possibly share your ideas with others.