Your mental health has a significant impact on your well-being. This aspect of your welfare affects, among other things, how you are able to operate psychologically, emotionally, and socially.
Because of the profound effects that your mental health has on every aspect of your life, it is essential to safeguard and improve psychological wellness using the appropriate techniques.
Our mental and physical health has a significant impact on the quality of our lives; thus, we must take care of our body, mind, and soul. This can be accomplished by having a strong support network from those in your community and surroundings.
In a word, being a part of a community involves more than just receiving support from a group of people. It also entails establishing close relationships, feeling accepted despite your shortcomings, and receiving inspiration to overcome obstacles.
Simply said, having community allows you to lean on others to get you through difficult times ensuring that you always have the love and support you need to lift your spirits.
Why is community so important to mental health?
We were not designed to live in isolation because we are social beings. We need a community to survive, especially if we have a mental illness and are already exhibiting the typical signs of loneliness and isolation.
Here are three of the most advantageous qualities of a community that are essential to mental wellness.
Belonging
If you have ever experienced the unsettling sensation of not belonging, you are aware of how lonely it can be. A feeling of belonging results from belonging to a community or group that you recognize. This is different from following social conventions.
To fully feel like a part of the organization, you must be able to identify with it as your own self. You don’t have to change anything to fit in with the group instead, your unique qualities are appreciated and valued.
Support
Whom are you going to ask when you need help? Having someone you can talk to or ask for help from may be able to help you overcome difficult situations that may appear overwhelming on your own. It might also improve your attitude toward your life and make you feel cared for and well-protected as you know that many others are there to support you.
Purpose
Within healthy communities, different jobs are often filled as the need arises. Maybe you are the person who can always be counted on to drop by with a hot meal when someone is struggling.
These jobs might give you a sense of purpose by improving the lives of others. When we can help others and when we have a purpose, life is more meaningful.
Making a Difference
It is especially powerful when companies harness their resources to make a difference. For many small businesses, it’s not all about profit. For example, Professional Plastering inc. is a big proponent of giving back to the community and supporting their local mental health center. Maybe your business can engage in a similar way.
Find a Community
First find the most important things to you or your business, then seek like-minded individuals that are aligned with you.
Concentrate on the following 3 attributes:
- Similar interests
- Similar values
- Similar beliefs
Continue looking if you have not already found a strong feeling of community. There are many great ways to connect with your community and lift the spirits of those around you.
