By Austin Houck — 2020
My story differs from many others who grow up with a developmental disorder, because at the same time, I was also finding my way as a young gay man.
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Basketball legend lauds 'profound influence' of Black athletes when it comes to social justice.
While we too often and too loudly insist that race does not matter, there is a growing body of research that shows race impacts many of our decisions (many with deadly consequences), and that implicit bias and racial anxiety are likely to be greater for those who cling to the belief of a colorblind...
Anxiety, conflict, self-doubt, disconnection, lack of purpose or fulfillment—if we’re honest with ourselves, for many of us, these are common experiences.
We all crave a sense of belonging, whether we realize it or not. Whether it’s at social gatherings, at work, or in our families, we want to feel accepted and comfortable.
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When we feel like we belong, we experience meaning, life satisfaction, physical health and psychological stability. When we feel excluded, physical pain and a wide range of psychological ailments result.
Recent research is establishing the critical nature of social belongingness.
We have explored the nature of non-belonging, how it is created, the losses and consequences and what it means to bring healing to it. It is important to allow for differing levels of belonging with an inner circle of friends being where we feel most welcomed, understood and accepted.
A psychological sense of belonging is a greater predictor of major depression than other factors commonly associated with depression, such as social support, conflict and loneliness.
An absence of belonging has negative and devastating effects on people, both physically and psychologically.
Through the years, I have learned ways to manage these people-pleasing tendencies, and feel more like myself. Here are four tips — if you find yourself feeling lonely — to achieve a greater sense of belonging.
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