How stronger social connections benefit your mental health

ARTICLE
01 September 2026 dot 3 min read
Coffee with friends, lunch with workmates, chatting over the fence with your neighbours – these surprisingly simple things can all deliver major benefits. Here, we explore the crucial role social connection plays in mental health, and what that means for your wellbeing.
 
These days, people are talking more openly about their mental health and taking conscious steps to improve it. That’s an incredibly good thing because poor mental health is a major issue in Australia, with over two in five people experiencing a mental health condition at some point in their lives1.
 
One driver of poor mental health is loneliness, which alongside social isolation are described as major public health issues2. Loneliness is a subjective unpleasant or distressing feeling of a lack of connection to other people, along with a desire for more, or more satisfying, social relationships. Social isolation on the other hand, is having objectively few social relationships, social roles, group memberships, and infrequent social interaction3.
 
Sadly, 1 in 2 people living in Australia report some form of social disconnection - being either lonely or socially isolated, or both (51%)4.

The link between social connection and wellbeing

What is social connection? It’s the experience of feeling close and a sense of belonging with others. Strong social connections are crucial to our wellbeing. As a growing body of research continues to confirm, physical and mental wellbeing is deeply intertwined with the relationships and social connections we hold with others5.
 
There’s plenty of evidence for this. A study from the annual Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA), for example, found that women who saw friends and family at least once a week were 10 per cent less likely to be in psychological distress, compared to those who had less frequent contact6. These results were similar for men – at eight per cent less likely.
 
Even more eye-opening research has found that social isolation has an impact on our physical health that’s comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day7.
 
The proportion of people who are both lonely and socially isolated is higher in those with chronic illness (25%) compared to those without (12%). People living with a chronic illness are nearly 3 times more likely to be both lonely and socially isolated, and more than 2 times more likely to be lonely, compared to those without a chronic illness8.

The benefits of regular social connection

Turns out having a yarn over a cup of coffee may have more health benefits than you think. Studies have found a long list of advantages to regular social connection, including:
 
  • Can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety plus provide an improved ability to recover from stress, improved ability to recover from stress, improved ability to recover from stress, anxiety and depression
  • Promotion of healthy eating and physical activity
  • Improved sleep, wellbeing and quality of life
  • Can reduce the risk of serious illnesses such as stroke, heart disease and dementia9

Simple ways to catch up

Although technology makes it easier than ever to catch up through a screen, face-to-face interactions are more satisfying when it comes to social plans10.
 
So, why not, try one of the following?
 
  • Schedule time for a walk at a local park or beach and soak in a hit of nature with a friend or join a community walking/running group.
  • Join a group activity with people who have similar interests via your local council – anything from hiking to music appreciation
  • Join a fitness group or one of your local sport teams
  • Work up a sweat with a fitness class at your local gym
  • Offer to help those in need or volunteer at a local charity (People who volunteer regularly both formally and informally are the least lonely and socially isolated)
  • Find out about communal activities in your area and get involved
  • Visit the Ending Loneliness Together and Loneliness Awareness Week websites.
Footnotes

Staff Writer
Staff writers come from a range of backgrounds including health, wellbeing, music, tech, culture and the arts. They spend their time researching the latest data and trends in the health market to deliver up-to-date information, helping everyday Australians live healthier lives. This is general information only and is not intended as medical, health, nutritional or other advice. You should obtain professional advice from a medical or health practitioner in relation to your own personal circumstances.
Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2026 AIA Australia Limited (ABN 79 004 837 861 AFSL 230043). This is general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, medical, nutritional, health, fitness or other advice. The source information of the articles is current as of the date of publication and may be subject to change. While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, AIA Australia expressly disclaims any and all liability for representations or warranties, expressed or implied, contained in, or for omissions from, the information.

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