One in five Australians have reported high levels of psychological distress.The pandemic has also made us more isolated, and our relationships more remote, having a profound impact on social connections and belonging.My study highlights how family and community support, and a sense of belonging, influence our genes and act as a protective factor against the effects of stress.In such unprecedented and stressful times, its vital we build and maintain strong social structures that contribute to good physical and mental well-being.