Humans heal faster when they feel connected. The book repeatedly highlights that isolation magnifies suffering. Pain becomes heavier when carried alone. Supportive relationships create emotional buffering, stabilize mood, and reduce stress responses within the brain.

Social connection provides perspective. When individuals share their experiences or simply feel understood, the nervous system releases tension. Supportive interactions help regulate emotional responses and allow people to feel grounded. Healthy relationships also encourage healthier habits. People eat better, move more, and make wiser choices when they feel connected.

Connection also provides meaning. Feeling part of something larger than oneself protects against hopelessness and discouragement. Community becomes a source of strength, and recovery becomes a shared journey rather than an isolated struggle.