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Call for questions: SOCIAL PRESCRIBING (Patreon)

Published:
2025-03-10 01:23:50
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Next up: a chat with Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging.

Rather than relying solely on pharmaceuticals for relief, social prescribers refer patients to community activities "like photography classes, gardening groups, and volunteering gigs."

"Science shows that social prescribing is effective for treating symptoms of the modern world’s most common ailments—depression, ADHD, addiction, trauma, anxiety, chronic pain, dementia, diabetes, and loneliness."

Julia comes recommended by Dr. Rachel Zoffness of Dolorology (PAIN). Remember: pain is biopsychosocial -- a combination of biological, psychological and social factors.

Comment below with your questions on social prescribing.Deadline: Tuesday, March 11 at 5pm PST

Files

Comments

Lisa Gorman

Do you ever prescribe dogs?

Brenden and Ashley

How have social prescribers reacted to the gradual decline in “third spaces” that previously encouraged community integration?

Lindsay Deal

Not really a question but I’d love to hear more about this and its effects on people with dementia and other memory issues.

Mykenzie King

I’m so excited for this! I’m getting my PhD in Behavioral and Community sciences with a focus on stigma. Most of our research and interventions revolve around social connection and community decreasing stigma of all kinds 💚💚💚

mish the fish

what would you prescribe for fatigue and low energy? i SUFFER from seasonal depression and would love some tips besides my beloved sad light

Aubrey Nelson

To what extent can this help with chronic pain? My mother deals with serious pain after a back injury/surgery and I’m always hoping to find ways to help her.

Nicky G

There are several points in our lives when we seem to lose community... Post-education, less religious/spiritual community building, busy capitalistic lives, kids move out, retirement, etc. How can we build better centralized resources for social catalysts for people of all ages and life phases in communities? I feel like it can be hard to find these resources.

Corinna Regan

Is there literature on stress and wellbeing that goes into validating social prescribing? If so, what are her thoughts on cortisol as a “stress hormone”

Julia Taylor

Is ‘horse therapy’ a thing for real? Prescribing people to hang out with horses 🐎

desertpainfrog

First time question asker! For neurodivergent introverts who get stressed or tired from meeting new people and managing group dynamics, what are the best ways to get over the social anxiety in pursuit of the benefits of community building?

Raja

Are there differences in rates of social prescribing by country? Have some countries or regions been doing it for longer than others or do particular cultures take it more seriously than others? (Raja rhymes with papaya)

Lauren N.

What dangers do you see in social prescribing gaining acceptance as pharmaceutical treatments for depression and ADHD are under attack? Can this be used to undermine medicines?

Anjali Himali

Does exercise/diet *really* help with managing ADHD symptoms? And if it does, how?

Lori Anderson

FTQA: how do you balance the social and medical treatments of chronic conditions? A lot of times, those of us with multiple chronic conditions are told by well-meaning aquaintances "just get out more"or "just fix your sleep schedule" as if that alone will correct physical and chemical imbalances. (Yes, it helps, but it can't always get you all the way there!) Do you work alongside medical doctors or are you more independent?

Nina Eve Z.

WHAT?! I did not know this was a thing. But also, send them to libraries!

Trish Hansen

Hi Alice- thank you taking on this adventure into social prescribing. I’m based in Adelaide, South Australia on Kaurna Country and lead an Arts in Health Unit across a health region (20 sites inc. 3 hospitals) managing a team of Allied Health Professionals - Art / Music therapists. We are exploring social prescribing with our local Academics. While there are some phenomenal arts and nature based offerings in the community - there are many obstacles to participation across the continuum from the socially isolated to individuals with complex mental health conditions and others with special needs at the hyperlocal level. Two questions: 1. How might Government collaborate support quality, professional, hyperlocal art and nature based programs and activities suitable for people with complex needs …. in ways that strengthen the creative/ regenerative local ecosystem (and not medicalise Arts/Nature on prescription) ? 2. How might tertiary hospital clinicians support Arts/ Nature on prescription?

Meaghan Ratcliffe

does social prescribing still work with folks who have social anxiety, are more introverted, or otherwise struggle with socializing like some neurodivergent folks? very socially anxious gal here wondering if there’s hope for me 😅

Anastasia Press

What are the outcomes for people who just use meds vs meds + social prescription?

Aych

is this kinda like the role of a sponsor in AA and other 12 step groups, like when they tell you to do service work or ask 3 people to tell you about their higher power, stuff like that? what is the role of the social prescriber, just that people outside of aa don't get sponsors? ppl disconnected from community don't have elders telling them to step up in this or that way, which i think is like part for one's own good and partly you're getting voluntold bc the community needs it? i guess the underlying question here is, is this a stopgap to an underlying alienation problem?

Chelsea and her dog Charlie

How might we support legislation to help health care settings use this option more effectively?

Chelsea and her dog Charlie

How can we recommend taking a class when there are other obstacles in the way (anxiety, costs, additional responsibilities in life)? Presumably we have to tackle those other factors first?

Alie Ward

We get into this a little bit in our Mnemonology (MEMORY) episode -- Part 2 specifically. Dr. Yassa explains the most effective tools for memory maintenance are physical activity, social activity, and a Mediterranean diet. Dance groups or classes are often recommended for older individuals because it puts exercise in a social setting. Playing chess in the park with a human is more effective than playing chess at home with a computer because engagement in a social setting is key.

Matt Hirschl

Is this hippy dippy or for real?

Robin Stumbo

what happens in the body and the brain when social needs aren't met? also do you have any tips for people who have a lot of anxiety around social situations but still want and need that connection with others?

Ry_ofthetiger

I want to help my mom get connected. She’s said for years that she wishes she had a “thing” but then says that she just spends her time on the couch in front of the TV or on the phone. How can I help her break the cycle and find a way to connect meaningfully with something?

Peregrine

I've recently been very aware of just how significantly an animal companion benefits me as a lonely autistic person. What role do non-human connections play in social prescribing? Also, how is social prescribing made accessible to neurodivergent people and people with anxiety, etc.? Despite craving community and connection, I often find myself far too daunted by new people and environments to try things that might lead somewhere good... Thank you Alie and Julia! 💜🪱🦇

Saira (‘Sarah’) Manns

Oh, yes!! I love this question - I too recently got a dog (7mo GSP) and my neurospicy brain already feels SO MUCH BETTER 🥹

Rayna

Can we talk about emotional support animals? I have an ESA that really helps me. In the public sphere we always talk about people who take advantage of ESAs to get pet fees waived or to take their animals out in public— but rarely do we ever talk about the purpose they serve and how they help people who truly need them. My dog keeps me active, keeps me company, keeps me social etc., and I feel like that deserves to be emphasized in light of all the folks misusing the ESA label.

Annalise De Young

YES! As a mental health therapist and Neurodivergent person, I wholeheartedly agree with this conceptually, but I know my own follow through on engaging with beneficial activities has been impacted by burnout, executive functioning issues, social anxiety etc. I'm curious about how the prescriptions are adapted based on these factors.

Anastasia Press

How do you convince people to give social prescription a try?

Doug Paice

How does this work for people who aren't social? I'm asocial, I don't have IRL friends I have any drive to see. I get connection from my wife and our daughter, and see my mum and older kids every couple of weeks (honestly, even that's draining). Or am I misunderstanding? I see people at work, weekly at swing dancing, and monthly at a Lego group, is that more what this is about?

Annalise De Young

I once had a doctor recommend that I visit a local botanical garden to help deal with my seasonal depression, I said, "can you write that as a prescription so my insurance will pay for it?" And we both laughed knowing that the answer was solidly "No." Any indications of that changing in the future??

Doug Paice

There is a lot of shame I feel for being this way. I feel there's a society expectation that people have friends that they see and want to see, if someone doesn't they are cast as a sad lonely person, who really, under it all, wants that connection.

David

How do patient concerns over contagious diseases such as COVID-19, flu, or RSV affect this work? Some people, including many of the immunocompromised, have valid health concerns about participating in many activities.

Lizzy

As someone with anxiety that I’m finally treating after a long battle against myself to getting the help I needed, I have found that a combination of medication and therapy has been most effective. With that platform supporting me, I’ve found engaging with my community to not cause as much stress or pain, which has made me feel even better! It’s great! I can fully back social prescribing. My question is: What is usually the push that gets people to consider it as the first step? In my experience, positive engagement with my community came only after positive treatment. Is there a common denominator when it comes to motivating people to take the first step towards helping themselves?

Rachel Guthrie

How do people overcome financial barriers or lack of leisure time to participate in social prescription?

Vic W

First time question asker. As a person who spent years being told to *just* take a walk, get out of the house, smell the flowers, etc. to “fix” my depression, this topic fills me with immediate anxiety. How do we address all the gaslighting and over-simplification of mental health stuff that overlaps with this kind of support?

Megan Morgan

Is social prescription a valid suggestion that is thought out prior to recommending, or is it a “fad” recommendation that doesn’t take individual needs into account? Is there solid research behind the recommendations or is it simply a “fad”? Is there evidence that these suggestions can help people with certain diagnoses? What specific diagnoses does this recommendation work for? What would make this not work for some diagnoses but not all? How would these recommendations be made? Are there different criteria based on different diagnoses? Do you need to have a diagnosis in order for this to work? Or would it work for the general public as well, considering a possible lapse in sociability post COVID ?

Audrey Hudak

Did the collapse of American community (fewer book clubs and bowling clubs etc) and increase of individualism lead to people needing guidance and even prescriptions for social activities?

Felix Lasselle

I've seen a lot of people respond to online comments with "go touch some grass". How has our disconnection from nature and community impacted our social skills with the movement towards online communities? Is social prescribing all about reconnecting to basic communities that used to dominate our social lives pre-internet?

Audrey Hudak

How do the social aspect of activities like exercise classes and dance in groups affect the brain?

Felix Lasselle

I was once in an airport about to take a flight and someone was coming around with a dog offering pets to cheer people up. I took the opportunity to give some scritches and I definitely felt more relaxed after.

Audrey Hudak

What systems (countries, companies, etc) are doing social prescribing well?

Cassidy Weber

Been waiting for a topic like this! I am a board-certified music therapist, and believe that having access to express yourself through the arts (especially in junction with other people) is such a vital part of being human and having a sense of belonging. I’m saddened by how professionalized the arts are and that there are people who believe they aren’t musical or artistic because we live in a culture that makes us believe we need to be good at something to do it. Does the individualistic nature of the US impact our social selves? Is there less social prescribing happening in countries that have a more collaborative culture?

William Ganschinietz

My wife died three years ago. Since then, I have had no interest in going out or starting hobbies. I view myself as a lone wolf who prefers to be alone. So is this not good?

Jennifer Grogan

As a nonprofit administrator, I've noticed that a lot of my client orgs struggle with conflicting desires on the one hand to return to in-person meetings so that members can socialize like we used to, but on the other hand to continue holding meetings online for convenience, ease of access for members away from our central location, and the health and safety of members who are affected (themselves or second-hand) by compromised immune systems or related concerns. How can I best counsel them to balance these issues? Also, I've heard/seen anecdotally from clients that they're having a much harder time getting volunteers in the last decade. Is there evidence that bears this out?

OnyxMonolyth

(First time asker (more like third time but I've never remembered to say first time)) YEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! I am absolutely in love with this episode already. I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now for the few questions: First, I grew up with the internet, so I feel like I've never learned the skills to find stuff to do without social media (I don't like it that much). How do you (the ologist) go about finding opportunities for people? Is it all about word of mouth? Is it like facebook or something? I would really love to get involved in more activities versus being stuck at home.

zackever8

+1 on this question! I was just chatting about this with a friend. It feels like we need to go out of our way to find occasions to connect with good friends that live 20+ minutes away, and that’s local friends. Many of our communities aren’t geographically firm — like when you move to a new city for work, or you’re renting and move whenever the rent hike is too much, or you had to evacuate, etc. We retain our contacts on social media or texting. We also outsource a lot of services that could be communal, like moving houses, or manicures, or even nursing homes. It’s such a good question because, how many ways has our brand of modernity stunted our community spaces — to the point where it is optional? Or inconvenient?

Matt Thompson

Is there a difference of being WITH people and being AROUND people? I've been to concerts and sporting events alone and had fun with a mass of people, but I feel like more intimate activities like a dinner party leave me with a better feelng

Heidi heidistrohl@mail.com

As a dance teacher, I can see that dancing brings happiness to my students, but I’m wondering what other benefits it has for the brain. I’ve heard that dance is beneficial for Alzheimer’s.

Addie Cappello she her

This is wonderful! I didn’t know there was an official term for this- I’m interested to hear more. Wondering if there is more open mindedness to this type of “medicine” than in the traditional sense- do you feel in today’s world the type of Rx is being embraced or sought out more? How do you reach audiences who are skeptical? What are your talking points for people who may be opposed or on the fence about seeking out this type of help? It seems like this type of life support would be inherent, but I know from my experiences that many people don’t give this much credit. Do you think cultural shifts are occurring for more people teaching younger humans how important this type of proactive help is? Do you have any “ah-ha” moments that you could share from your work or experiences? Any case studies where there was a major outcome you weren’t expecting? Like a monumental success story? Any thoughts or suggestions for people who suffer from PTSD? Do you have any situations where someone’s “therapy” (activity for betterment) became the cause of their pain? Any suggestions on how to make heartfelt activities become a safe place again? (Example being an athlete who finds reprieve from stress, anxiety & depression in their sport- but then unfortunately suffers trauma as a direct result from teammates in that sport. Love of the sport is still there but is now filled with triggers that cause anxiety and depression instead of relief from those things.) Thank you so much!

zackever8

Really curious about this topic! Is there a standard framework for navigating the social aspects of this for the neurodivergents? I’m an ADHDer with a lot of goals that require socializing. I usually enjoy myself when I’m comfortable in a social setting, but I get terrible anxiety planning and leaving the house to go to a community space. I can feel daunted feeling like Im about to “have to be on.”

cheesemonger

What if you dont have time? 🥲

Addie Cappello she her

Can vouch that bare feet on the ground and actually hugging trees is miraculous.

olivewing

first time question asker, is there any difference in success rates for social prescribing for neurodivergent people vs neurotypical? as someone with autism socializing can cause extreme stress and mental exhaustion. Is there a right or wrong way to go about this technique as someone who is autistic to make it less stressful and more helpful?

Addie Cappello she her

Thank you for asking about this, I hope this topic is discussed. My dog saved my life. Shes not a registered ESA, but my life would be very different, or possibly non-existent without her. I’m an independent person and also very social. Mental and emotional challenges are real for us all. I am thankful everyday that her and I get to share our lives together and have been doing so for the past 14 years. I never pursued making her an official ESA partially because of stigma of the abuse of this privilege. She’s also not “social” and has her own special needs so she doesn’t “fit in the box” for the stereotypical ESA. I feel (in my non-expert ologist opinion) that ALL pets truly are emotionally supportive in every way, shape and form. In relation to ESA and official service animals; I stand in solidarity against abusing this course of much needed accommodation and therapy for reasons other than what they’re meant for.

Justin Bowen

Are there mental health conditions for which social prescribing is not recommended?

Addie Cappello she her

I’d love to hear the ologies take- but 100% cacao is my dementor chocolate for neurodivergent flare and anxiety

Addie Cappello she her

I’ve worked at a horse therapy center! Also know a 1:1 therapist who does sessions with her horses. Would love to hear more!!

Addie Cappello she her

I always find the dog at the social gathering and we end up chilling and I feel better.

Quinn

Seeing this topic reminded me of a study from maybe 5 yrs ago(?) showing that dancing makes people happy more than any other form of exercise, so I’ve since loosened up about dancing anywhere even though I’m maybe slightly above average and have found myself having more fun :) do you know of any other exercises that have shown to have significant improvements to mood or just general recommendations that are easy to weave into a routine without making it feel like a task?

Christine Wenzel

What's the history of social prescribing? Is it a relatively modern practice? Also- as a young professional in the nonprofit space, I'm curious about how one becomes a social prescriber. Is it doctors or is there a growing practice of social prescriber consultants or something like that?

Mariana Alvarez

How can healthcare professionals incorporate this into their practice or get more training on this?

Sleepy John

How does one get started when starting anything just feels like too much effort?

honeybear

Is there any research (or other information) on what can help prescribees "take their meds" so to speak? Especially curious how to help those of us that struggle with mental health challenges that can make socializing feel impossible at times-- even when we may want to, or know it could be good medicine.

honeybear

Does the prescription need to be with other humans? How does connecting with animals (companions or otherwise) compare in terms of efficacy? What about other nature beings? For example, I consider the forest to be one of my most supportive communities, and feel deeply nourished by spending time with my tree friends...

Jani Rounds

Oooooh fascinating topic! Are there differences between the social prescriptions for different age (or other demographic) groups? Do retired folks have different social needs than say prime-working-age folks? Or is it more of a quantity thing?

Ruby Gordon

Is there a difference in efficacy between introverts and extravert?

Doug Stewart

I started riding motorcycles as a way of getting around during the pandemic. I found that motorcycle riders are super welcoming to new riders and look out for each other in a way I’ve never experienced in another hobby. If I’m ever in trouble in my bike it’s almost guaranteed that another rider will pull up and check on me. It never fails. Is there any research that has gone into why some communities, like motorcyclists, are like this as opposed to others that can be far more gatekeeping and antagonistic? I’m especially interested in if there’s a way we can structure groups that better facilitate this sort of community.

Genesis

FTQA here! As a passionate mental health promotion baby researcher, I'm deeply curious (and slightly creeper out) by the rise of AI robots to aid with loneliness and socialisation. How beneficial will AI tools be in this scenario compared to real human connection? I'm saddened at a world were we no longer rely on each other for authentic human connection as social prescription.

Jamie Alexander

My question also. Can we get insurance to pay for these prescriptions?

Rayna

You are so valid!! My dog is a rescue and pretty reactive to other dogs as well—but it’s not all bad, because it reminds me that even the best creatures in the world struggle with their feelings sometimes. My dog is an ESA and they don’t need to be registered. That’s a common misconception. You just need a note from your doctor or therapist (a “prescription” if you will 😅). I never need to show it to anyone unless I’m moving apartments, but it does protect us both. Especially since I travel with her and we often stay at hotels.

Doug Paice

Great question. It's horribly dismissive, and so many people can't see that, it's also insulting to assume you haven't tried something so simple. For what it's worth, it has helped me to have some prepared responses. In some group therapy I was in we brainstormed some ideas, but it really depends on your spoons and the situation. There are a few that could be summarized as "I think you'll find it's more complicated than that" or "I'll mention that to me ".

Susan G

What about for people who have struggles or limitations in getting out to places? And how do online activities and communities play into this? (I know people love to trash talk being online as bad for mental health, but just this weekend I had online bookclub and online dnd, both of which made my weekend and my mental health so much better!)

Thaniel Grey

Not a question. This pops up to me while I'm lying on my couch in horrible Head pain for three weeks ,(chronic migraine)feeling guilty that I'm not working or cooking or cleaning like I should be able to do. If someone added "now you have to get out of your house and volunteer!", I would cry.

Naomi Jane

Not exactly a question but it might be worth looking at the initiative that parkrun has created - https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/the-parkrun-practice-initiative It's a totally free weekly event across the world, you can take part in lots of different ways (running, walking, volunteering). The charity has partnered with GPs in the UK to prescribe parkrun to people. I know a few doctors who (mostly through parkrun) who are actively prescribing this to their patients, but I haven't heard of any studies of results (yet).

Ange Percy

I joined a samba drumming group about 4 years ago and it honestly feels like therapy. Something about moving and making sound together feels incredibly healing and uplifting and you get a different quality of friendships with people you've created something with. Every so often we will play something with a perfect tempo and everyone is together and we all experience the same feeling. Everyone will look at each other in amazement afterwards. It's a powerful thing in a group of 40 strong.

Lady_Marzipan

Speaking for myself, I know that joining more social activities would be very good for me, and I have every intention of doing so. The problem is, I have had these intentions for years, but for some reason it has been very difficult for me to go from intending to do something to actually doing it (hello ADHD...). I'm great at giving the 'just do it, what do you have to lose?' advice to others, but I cannot follow through on it myself. There are any number of excuses that pile on - but it mostly boils down to the irrational fear of realising that I have *made a mistake* in my choice, leading to no choice being made, leading to nothing being done... cue vicious cycle of self-reprimand/low self-esteem etc. etc. Yes, I realise this is nonsense - this does not make it go away. What advice do you have for people who struggle with putting themselves out there help them to actually put themselves out there?

Amelie Lu

Seconded! My autism makes it hard for me to go out or make friends, I'll get overstimulated and most people don't like me because I'm "weird" and don't conform to their idea of a "woman". My online community on Discord is the only one I currently have.

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

That's not nonsense! I bet every ADHDer relates - I definitely do :) Inability to start a task/activity is something that bothers me the most with my ADHD. Especially since in my mind I already went through with it many times, considering different scenarios, preparing for any possible obstacles and imagining every potential outcome. So I'm tired from an activity I haven't even started 😅 As such, I second your question: What a person (neurodivergent or not) can do in terms of social activities to rip their benefits without being overwhelmed?

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

Oh, I know parkrun! :) My friend goes for their runs and it really helps her being active even though she'd rather be lazy at home ;) They made friends there and participate in dressing up in costumes for runs around the time of events like Christmas, Valentines etc.

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

Great question! I'm wondering about online activities as well. What an online activity has to be like for the benefits to outweigh the cons?

Paulina Krasińska-Sroka

Great question! I'd be interested to know what are the examples of environments that (knowingly or not) bring benefits of social activities, without them being explicitly prescribed?

Bennett Vanderbosch

What is something that most everyone should be incorporating into their lives?

londennoelle

Three things: 1) does insurance recognize this as an accepted and fundable practice in the US? If not currently, do you see any movement toward this in the future? 2) what activities do you recommend for someone living in a small area with very few opportunities for social groups outside of church gatherings? 3) what is the most efficient and beneficial activity? As a teacher and a spoonie, I have very limited free time and very limited energy outside of work as most mental and physical energy is expended at school. Most days it’s all I can do to shower, make something to eat, and get to bed, not to mention the piles of work I often have to bring home to keep up with demands of the job.

Theo Kline

What intersections have you found between economic privilege and social prescribing? It seems like a solution that depends on a certain amount of leisure time, energy remaining after work and caregiving, access to childcare, etc. Do prescribers ever work with people to address barriers like this?

Dylan V

I find my corporate job draining these days, and my gym and social interactions on weekends is what keeps me going. How can we make working remotely, or offices where people rarely show up actually feel fulfilling?

Naomi Jane

It can be a really wonderful community, a lot of my social connections are through volunteering at my local one, and it's so good to see different people getting involved. I love that people (mostly) don't take it too seriously, too.

Rae Press

Are there any added benefits to social prescribing where the social connections are intentionally across different generations? There are a number of initiatives of youth and seniors connecting that seem mutually beneficial but this isn't otherwise fostered much outside of family groups. (As an immigrant and queer person who lives in an expensive city, I have lost a lot of connections with seniors and also families with kids. It's harder to build these community connections in this late stage of capitalism when folks are more isolated and people who would like to have kids are waiting longer to have them if they can even afford to at all).

princenocturnal

I'm autistic too and relate to this a lot!

princenocturnal

How do we make sure that BIPOC, disabled people, trans people, women etc. feel safe in social activities? How can we cultivate an environment in which the challenges of putting yourself out there as a marginalized person can be discussed?

Witch of the Widdle Wiggly Guys

I relate to this quite a bit w/ my ADHD, MDD, and social anxiety. In my head a big deterrent is dealing with disappointment. If I try something new or meet new people and it doesn't bring me any relief or joy, I become so overwhelmed at how something that was supposed to help me didn't and blame myself for how nothing is good enough for me, how I just can't connect with others. It's this mix of guilt and hopelessness that keeps me from following through with more plans to try more social things in the future. Top that off with difficulty initiating tasks that we aren't super driven to complete and it's a one way ticket back to hiding in my apartment for another week.

Janet R.

Who is the person/people that are prescribing? This kind of description makes it sound very medically oriented. Looking forward to the discussion.

Janet R.

This sounds amazing. I am a music therapist in the US.

Melanie Metzger

(From a Librarian here) Many of the activities included in Social Prescribing are activities that Libraries traditionally offer. Has there been any discussion/movement on cooperation with Libraries to make their offering more robust and potentially to share resources to maximize results?

The Little Butternut

FTQA!!! 🥳 This is such an interesting topic! I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the overlap between culture and the practice of social prescribing. I'm Canadian and my family is Italian & French and I find that GENERALLY, Europeans tends to cultivate a life that includes more social/physical activities that might otherwise need to be prescribed in North American culture. I know that this is a complexe topic that doesn't have a blanket answer but I just wonder if you find that culture and societal "norms" have an impact on how much we rely on social prescribing?

Pup E. Dog

Who qualifies as a link worker? What kind of training is available? How can an organization become a trainer or credentialer for link workers? Do you have to be a social worker to be a link worker? Can an artist be a link worker?

Rebekah Fitchett

Why do we find it so hard to reach out and do social things even though we know it is good for us?

Rebekah Fitchett

Also: Is it a mid-western thing that I feel guilty for doing things I like with friends? That so many other people have it worse than me and so I shouldn't experience joy with a group?

Audrey Hudak

Yes! My weekly Zumba class is "therapy"!!

ShrekToes

I'm very curious to know how scientific studies quantify the effects of socializing on physical illness (diabetes and pain). How can we disentangle any possible increase in mood from symptoms from actual relief or improvement of symptoms? How do you know you're not just having patients distract themselves from pain or other issues? Is this a safe practice for people with real issues that should be addressed medically? It seems that there would be multiple, interacting factors contributing to a patient's report of relief from symptoms. In short- how do you sort out the physical from the emotional?

bluebadger

Call me a radical, and I know a lot of this has to do with community, but also it seems mostly about leisure time? Is it not the case that the value of social wellbeing in the working class was articulated perfectly over a hundred years ago with the demand for "bread and roses"? Is it cynical of me to be sad that we need authority/expert figures to prescribe/give us permission to enjoy what we should be demanding for ourselves?

CurtisDawg

1. Are there any countries' medical systems that are prioritizing this type of treatment? 2. Is there any resistance to this type of treatment? I imagine pharmaceutical companies aren’t encouraging your efforts. 3. Whoa! The timing! (An NPR – Here & Now report just came on!) “The state of mental health, 5 years after COVID-19 pandemic began” They report on the aftermath of COVID lockdowns on mental health: 1 of 5 Americans are reporting loneliness, there are many layers of why people feel disconnected, consumption of social media is an issue (comparing your life to other people). Seems that this the perfect time for Social Prescribing! BTW – from the NPR report: What can you do for your mental health? Denise Brady, therapist, says “find mental health therapy.”

Eating dog hair for a living

I wonder how you can follow through with the prescription and not have it interfere with work, home and social obligations? It sounds like the "prescription" is more of a suggestion. Wouldn't this be the cause of more anxiety if you can't or don't have the time to follow through?

Ashley Marrs

I don't really have a question, but I am SO SO excited to listen to this episode. After some medical struggles at age 36, I went from being very very busy to unemployed and no longer able to drive. After running out of things to organize, I'm slowly finding ways to explore my interests and make meaningful connections. I love Roy Wood Jr's take on this in his Hulu special Lonely Flowers 🥹

Marianne Thomas

As someone with ME/CFS who's been medically gaslit to the point of questioning my own mind/life, it's hard to hear social prescribing without also hearing "have you just tried going for a walk?". The question I'm struggling to phrase is, how do you reconcile that? How do you decide which patient needs medical care? Is there a risk social prescribing could be used instead of diagnostics? Or as another excuse not to fund research into my decades-long yuppie flu? Excited for the episode!

Marianne Thomas

Oh, I can answer this! This is definitely a human thing. And possibly a catholic thing 😅

Nita Chen

Greetings, How does the age of internet and social media play into social prescribing? Is it a deterrent or a positive tool?

I was made in Canada

Hello from Canada. I work with a charitable arts-health organization. They piloted a program at a psychosis clinic and the physicians began to prescribe the program based on the strength of the outcomes they witnessed in their clients. Despite that successful case study, it seems challenging to open other doors. **Can you offer any advice on how community organizations interested in strengthening their role as a social prescription can connect with health care providers?**

Keerat Singh

I’ve found it’s quite difficult to find groups like this unless you already know someone doing it. When such a prescription is given, what support is provided for actually finding these activities?

Jonathan Cummings

It seems like the US medical system that is illness, sickness, disease, and injury focused rather than health, wellness, and fitness focused. How have you had to work over, around, or through this obstacle? Do you feel there is hope that this can change or are we entrenched in a reactionary health system and need to do our best working within it?

Kelly Shaver

How can social prescribing go wrong? What are the biggest dangers?

Nova

Hello beautiful people, how do you go about more social connections with high levels of social anxiety and trauma around trusting people?

Jude Sullivan

Many minority communities have a longstanding tradition of caring for one another through mutual aid networks or alternative kinship structures. How do factors such a race, gender, sexuality, class, etc. influence our sense of social connectedness and/or isolation?

Philipp Meder

I love running and have realized that especially during depressive periods going for a run really helps me mentally. However, I've had to deal with injuries lately, so now there's always an anxiety when wanting to go for a run, because I fear injuring myself again. In a more general sense, how do I find a healthy balance between "social prescriptions" that mentally help me but might physically hurt me?

Kathleen Sachs

I'm looking forward to this episode. I have taken up wildlife photography and bird-watching since the pandemic. I find that days spent bird-watching are super grounding, mostly because it involves tuning into more than one sense at a time: sight and sound. They say the best way to stop a panic attack is five things you can see, four things you can feel, three things you can hear, etcetera. Maybe that's why birding is so relaxing?

Julia Reichelt

Are there any countries where such social prescribed activities are actually paid for by insurance? I live in Germany and while we do get part of the cost for certain “anti-stress classes“ (like yoga, meditation etc) covered by public insurance, I never heard of anywhere where e.g. membership fees for a choir or garden club are paid for. As someone active in a lot of these sorts of social groups, i know from experience that it can definitely be expensive. Even if there is no membership fee, most activities incur some sort of cost. Thank you for this great topic :)

Julia Reichelt

Are the behaviours suggested by social prescribing maybe more common in certain cultural contexts compared to others? In other words, are certain cultures more naturally incorporating these behaviours while others do so less, and does it relate to levels of individualism VS collectivism in the society?

Julia Reichelt

Are there any differences on the positive effects of social prescribing for introverts VS extroverts?

Whereisapark

Love this and wish we didn’t have to prescribe things that seem so inherently human. How do you address patients concerns around scarcity (Scarcity of time, childcare, money etc) that may make it difficult to do those activities?

Tom Boodry

Are there any studies that show grounding techniques, such as 3-3-3, work better in a natural setting than indoors?

Sam Danielle

My friends and I are looking to build a community focused on supporting one another by sharing skills, resources, and aid. Our goal is to counter the isolation and overwhelm of living in an overly independent society. Do you have any tips on how to effectively form our community, or key things to consider as we move forward with this?

jangonator

Is there a major difference between in-person socialization vs virtual socialization when it comes to pain management outcomes? Could virtual reality or AI be a valid, perhaps more accessible, treatment? Thanks Alie!

Sam Werner

First time question asker - 1) In my years of therapy, exposure therapy was a very common tactic used to address my social anxiety. How does social prescribing differ from exposure therapy in terms of anxiety, if it at all? Can social prescribing be part of exposure therapy? 2) If we live in a place where the choice of (non-drinking) social activities are pretty slim, how can we work to change that? How can someone get the ball rolling on leading this change in their community?

Katherine Darche

Do places with more collectivistic cultures have lower rates of mental health issues than individualistic cultures? How does a less wealthy or struggling country with a collectivist culture compare to a largely individualist culture like the U.S. where there is a lot of privilege?

Earl of Greymalkin

1) How much does my cat count for social prescribing? Do I need two cats? Do I need to go outside and find other cats to pet? 2) Do some of us not need as much socializing as others? Or am I kidding myself about being an introvert and I should go outside and talk to people more? Is going outside a requirement or do Twitch streams and the like provide a similar function? 3) Does the social activity have to contain a productive element or is just chilling enough? 4) To what degree is building deeper friendships necessary for the positive effects? If you met new people every week would that also be enough? 5) Did the social isolation during the early pandemic years allow for you to actually run the experiment on what happens when people aren't allowed in-person socializing? What were creative ways people managed to get it anyway? 6) How do people in prison experience the limitations on social experiences? Are any prisons successfully using social prescriptions to improve conditions and reduce recidivism? 7) How would you advise MDs to include socializing in treatment plans? How much awareness of this is in the medical community currently? 8) If you could, how would you restructure society and work/life balance to include these kinds of socializing? 9) Does family count or should you be trying to meet people outside of family, even if you like your family?

Jeanette-o-saur

Just gonna upvote this entire list of questions

Jeanette-o-saur

Adding my commiseration as a fellow human who has been struggling to get back to doing stuff I love because of injuries. The anxiety is so real. It maybe a good moment for both of us to revisit the pain episode...I have the book that I only worked halfway through too 🤔

Jeanette-o-saur

I'm ADHD with some social anxiety (not autistic) and one of my favorite online social events is a biweekly poetry club on zoom. That manageable online commitment has been instrumental in getting me out to physical events (poetry workshops and open mic nights) because I have people to go with, people who will pick me up (very important!), and it's less anxiety inducing when I know some of my people will be there. So never underestimate the power of an online group!

Jeanette-o-saur

Also if I never left the house, it would still make me happy. To be clear that that's not the only reason it's good 😅

Jeanette-o-saur

I'm curious about the balance between social and other prescribing (medication, therapy, etc). I definitely feel our medical systems (I'm in Canada) are stretched too thin and end up over relying on the easiest tools at hand. I'm also hyper aware of how quickly wellness culture slip slides into gaslighting and victim blaming (just try harder! Take more vitamins! Medication is failure 🥴). How do we build systems and societies that effectively use both pieces to their fullest potential? Are there countries that have succeeded at this?

Yuri

I know I passed the deadline, but I wanted to put this here just in case. I feel really conflicted about this for some reason. I think it’s the inherent contradiction of using a prescription western medicine model (and therefore very white, cis, etc.) to try to provide a remedy that is very much inherent, indigenous, traditional, old knowledge and wisdom - and to a problem that was created by a lot of the problematic aspects of the former cultures, including colonialism. It feels like it’s still super otherizing and leaving out these ancestral ways of being that have been marginalized and dismissed, and now maybe co-opted? I don’t know. I am still thinking about all this. But there’s something about the framework of this that feels really off, even if where they’re trying to get to is very valuable and healing. There’s so many layers to it. I need to think about this a lot more, but I just wanted to put this out there.

Marisa

I am curious about this also. Many European cultures seem to have

Marisa

maintained opportunities for social connection.

Marisa

Love this comment. Libraries are very good at offering opportunities to folks of all ages, and at no or low cost!

Marisa

I hope these questions about cultural differences are addressed.

Philipp Meder

Yes, I am currently listening to some of the older episodes and the pain episode was just mentioned in one of the ones I listened to! It's on my listening queue now!

GirlieHippie

Best animals for this and why are they horses?

Jenni Denni

I know I’m past the deadline but hoping somehow we can talk about this… What about medical gaslighting? I live in the US and I’ve had a lot of trouble with this, including once when I had literal, physical/mechanical problems with a knee joint dismissed by a doctor (I insisted on an MRI and eventually got diagnosed with an ACL tear and had the surgery I needed but that was absurd to have to fight so hard for). What if social prescribing gets weaponized in this way? (Love the concept otherwise but that feels like a big elephant in the room for me!)