The power of community for mental wellbeing

Community. What does that word mean to you? For me, it’s about being with people where I feel I belong, having a shared interest or purpose, and having a chance to support and share. While I remain the constant, the people within these communities change, and their role in my life (and me in theirs) can vary. With this year’s mental health awareness week theme being community, it seems like the perfect time to talk about the power of community!

Even if you don’t realise it, we are all part of communities; sometimes, it’s created for us, and sometimes, we make it. We take it for granted until we realise the community no longer suits us or our lives have moved us to a place where we need to build a new one. When I moved from employment to self-employment in 2015, I sought out new people and places to fill the professional community gap I felt. That became a co-directorship within Nurture Community CIC, which exists to help reduce isolation and loneliness! As a time-pressed parent, the online groups were a must-join, and my interest in books has led to some amazing book club groups. When my children started school, I was absorbed into that community … the list goes on. What is wonderful about these communities is that as time grows, so do our connections, and the mental health benefits of the “membership” become clearer.

However, it’s important to remember quality over quantity when it comes to communities. We don’t need to be part of large groups but rather micro-societies that make us feel like we belong. Being included supports our self-belief and gives us a sense of purpose. These things not only help us when we experience poor mental health but also reduce the risk of mental illness.

We can feel and see the benefits of being part of community; the feeling of belonging, the potential to share resources, emotional support, mentoring, shared experiences, giving back and enthusiastically sharing interests. Research shows that having a strong sense of community is associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress: I know that I often feel so much better when I have spent time with “my people”.

 

So, how do you find the power of community when you need it?

Firstly, consider WHAT you want within this group. If, for example, you are looking for mental health support, then MIND has a wonderful link to show peer support groups. You may want to feel connected with a community based on an interest or a mission; do you have skills you can offer or those you want to learn? Has a personal experience changed your perspective, and do you want to help those in similar situations?

 

Next, consider WHERE these may be. It can be easier to track this down when it’s interest-led, from an advert at your local library to a Facebook page or searching online. You may even find this at your workplace or within what seems like an unrelated group (on the surface, at least)

It may not be as obvious when it comes to values or like-minded people who share a mission. For example, you may find these people through standalone volunteering projects or events.

Finally, be honest with yourself about the level of commitment and TIME you can give or have available. When you sign up for classes or groups, it’s easier to see; often, they are scheduled on a timetable. When you are moving into a community that is more volunteering or charity-based, it’s easy for roles to blur! This is when knowing your boundaries and sticking to them can help make sure your experience remains positive for your mental wellbeing.

In such a fast-paced and pressured world, it’s no surprise that many of us feel isolated. Even when we are connected virtually, life is moving us away from a long-standing nature to being part of a group. So, take the time to reflect on the people and places that make you feel good. Research shows us, again and again, that they are like medicine for physical and mental wellbeing. Who is the community that makes a difference to you?

 

Come along to one of my communities, Creating Careers to Enjoy, on Facebook!