Can Social Prescribing Restore the Lost Sense of Human Connection and Foster Mental Well Being in Today?s Youth?: A Literature Review

Oswin Samuel

Abstract: Social prescribing is simply put, the linking of patients from various health care institutions with sources of support in the community for their physical and mental well being. Sometimes people come in with problems relating to loneliness, work stress, relationship issues or feelings of despair. Oftentimes, medicines can only do so much in countering these problems. This is where social prescribing comes in. As noted by Kirsty et al, social prescribing appears to help people by providing professional support to address social problems and then helps them engage in social activities with the community thereby providing a sense of belonging and finally helps the individual realize his personal and social assets thereby giving the person a more optimistic outlook towards life and significantly improving their mental well being.

Keywords: Social Prescribing Loneliness Youth Mental Health