Loneliness is a common and often debilitating symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the diagnostic criteria for PTSD focus on intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and avoidance, the resulting isolation can be just as damaging.
Feeling isolated is a common experience, but it is one that can be mitigated through intentional social movement. When you combine physical activity and mental health benefits, you aren’t just training your muscles; you are building a support system.
We’re wired for connection, and when those connections are missing or feel weak, it can really impact our emotional wellbeing. For a long time, I thought I needed to fix my mood, chase happiness, but I discovered something much more powerful: nurturing the relationships around me.