I think many people feel this way lately. The pandemic has impacted everyone on the planet and not in a good way. So think back to when this malaise started. Three years ago did you feel this disconnection? And how is your life right now, what stress do you have?

Here is what I am trying to do to forge a higher connection with other humans. I do several online and in person book clubs. Reading is a wonderful way to take one's mind off of things. All of my bookclubs discuss the book and have some social talking afterwards. I found one through the public library. Another was created when a group of older women put it on the Nextdoor app. You can start one yourself, online zoom if you need to. Or church have many groups and classes. Simply find one. How old are your children? Do you have any old enough to do karate or the like with you in the evening? Or go to their scout meetings with them, soccer practice, etc. Say hello to others parents and talk to them about something casual, the heat or the cold weather, etc. Make eye contact. If it is warm, take your kids on nature walks and talk to them about what they see and what is around them. Talk to your wife about non political current events or see if she'll do a book club with you so you two can talk about the books.

And consider if your need is really a spiritual or religious need for connection to God and other humans. Many churches are online now and you can watch the services but if you want connection you gotta go in person. Same thing, Say hello to someone and join a class and make eye contact with people.

I've been on my own journey to forge human connection since before the pandemic. It has been hit or miss. People are locked into social media and texting now instead of eye contact and in-person. Our brains need eye contact and in-person. Don't give up, keep trying to find a hobby or an outlet that puts you in a group situation and then talk to people and find out about them. Ask them about themselves. Keep trying. Also respond on here to every post you read. Say something to someone. Its not really a forever thing but it practices reaching out to others and fills that need in a small way.

I think books may be a great stepping stone. reading through your response, I realize that I haven't read a book from start to finish in over a year. I will start there. Reading your encouraging words definitely helped me feel connected in such an amazing simple way. Just knowing someone else is out there in the universe helped greatly! I will take your advice and try to join some groups. My children do extracurriculars and that may be a great way to ease into making those social connections in person.

Meditation has opened a whole new world for me and shown me parts of myself, I never knew existed. I highly recommend it.
There are many guided meditations on you tube or you can learn how to do one on your own like, transcendental meditation, or mindful meditation. There are all kinds of meditations available, even a meditation for lonliness like this one:
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=n2L_ynaW5CE&ab_channel=LiveSonima

Enjoy :)

God Bless