Can doctors prescribe friendship instead of medicine?
Imagine visiting a doctor feeling lonely, anxious or stuck, and leaving not with a packet of pills but with an invitation to join a walking group, paint, plant vegetables or volunteer.
In recent years, a growing trend in healthcare has emerged, known as "social prescribing". This innovative approach involves doctors referring patients not just to medication, but to activities and community support initiatives. The underlying concept is that companionship, a sense of purpose, and engaging routines can significantly influence a person's well-being.
A substantial UK study, published in Nature Health in 2026, investigated the impact of social prescribing. The study followed thousands of individuals who utilized these services, and within a span of one to six months, participants reported increased happiness, a stronger sense of life's worth, and reduced anxiety. These positive outcomes were observed across diverse social and economic backgrounds.
The social prescribing model does not seek to replace traditional medical treatments or professional care. Rather, it proposes that these activities can complement them. For instance, a person experiencing loneliness might find solace in joining a gardening club, while another individual may regain confidence through art, physical exercise, or volunteering.
In nations like Bangladesh, where clinics are often bustling and leave limited time to discuss social isolation or loneliness, the notion of social prescribing is particularly relevant. This approach suggests that the prescription pad of the future might occasionally contain a different kind of prescription – one that advocates for "Meet people. Move. Create. Belong."
Written by urgent.news from Daily Star BD Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
