Loneliness has reached an all-time high. In response, the federal government is tracking loneliness and its devastating impact on human health. Long story short, it is very, very bad for our health to be alone too much of the time, and to be lonely.  

Despite these grave consequences, we as a people, are spending more time alone. Time alone is up due to our more solitary modern jobs, more people moving due to work, and less need for group efforts. When was the last time you were invited to a community barn-raising?  

The recommended minimum amount of time interacting with people, according to Gallup, is three hours per day. Routine social interactions are better than random social interactions.  

You don’t have to worry about overdoing it. People can expect to see increasing health and wellness benefits when they are social up to 60% percent of their waking hours. For most people, that is about 10 hours per day.  

But people nowadays are not socializing even three hours per day. And they feel sad, get sick more often, say their lives lack meaning and purpose, and do not have enough help with everyday tasks or major setbacks.  

Ignacio and the people who live here have many advantages in tackling the loneliness epidemic. They often have family and friends nearby who can mutually support one another. There are several safe and welcoming public spaces and businesses where people can gather, play, and work together. There are many ways people can practice their Native American culture and traditions, alone and with others. There are multiple ways for people to participate in decision making and impact local government.  

Despite these and other strengths, many people living here say they feel lonely and disconnected. Southern Ute Behavioral Health, in association with SASO, is offering a small community gardening morning group. A place where local’s can lend a hand, meet your neighbor, and build systems to support you in everyday life and in emergencies. There’s nothing special about our group. You can easily meet your neighbor and create a mutual support system for yourself by reaching out and introducing yourself today. But if you want a little help, or want to build your community even more, we would like you to join us in tending to the community garden in ELHI, at 115 Ute St., Ignacio, CO 81137. We plan to meet Mondays, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. if there is enough participation.  

Ease into the week by helping the community grow. Coffee and water provided. Please bring gloves. For more information, please contact Behavioral Health at 970-563-5700.  

Here’s to your good health! 

It’s okay not to feel okay. 

If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist. 

Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. 

And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. Please call us at 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.