You can build authentic social connections-even while physically apart.

We are wired for social connection; our mental health depends on it. From a simple smile from a stranger on the street to a hug from a relative or close friend, we humans thrive when we feel connected to one another. And yet, loneliness is on the rise.

The good news is, you don’t have to continue suffering in silence. In this powerful guide and workbook, renowned mental health expert and addictions counselor Dr Bill Howatt drills into the root causes of isolation and loneliness-including the double-edged sword of digital technology-and shows you how to conquer them to achieve a more fulfilling, enriching life.

Through a compelling mix of real-life case studies, self-reflection exercises, and cognitive behavioral techniques, you’ll learn how to recognize your own self-limiting thoughts and behaviors, unlock your mental traps, and close the social connection gaps in all areas of your life-from the personal to the professional. Employers will also find tips for boosting psychological safety in the workplace and among their virtual teams.

No single pill or exercise offers an escape from isolation; the cure for loneliness lies in a combination of realizing where you’re stuck, and closing social connections gaps in meaningful ways. But if you commit to doing the work, you can become who you want to be. You can have more meaningful social connections. Ultimately, you’ll see that why you feel isolated and lonely may not be as important as what you learn to do with it.