The Importance of Community for Your Mental Health

Our mental health significantly impacts our quality of life, so it makes sense that we would want to do all we can to improve it. This may include things like eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough quality sleep each night. But there is something else that greatly influences our mental health and that is a community and a sense of belonging. Human beings are wired for connection. When we feel connected to others, we feel loved and supported. Friends can often help alleviate the stress in our life because our friends are there for us to lean on. If you have been feeling alone and isolated, here are some ways you can find your own community and begin to connect with others:

Go with What Interests You

What activities and hobbies do you have? You may want to join a book club or take a painting lesson. If you’re athletic or used to playing a sport in school, maybe you could join a local team. You’ll no doubt find it easier to connect with others who enjoy doing the same things you do.

Volunteer

Being of service to others is highly rewarding, and volunteering is also a great way to connect with others who share similar values. What causes do you feel passionate about? What charities do you support? Check out their website or give them a call to see what volunteering opportunities they may have available.

Connect with Something Bigger Than Yourself

Do you have a particular religion or spiritual practice you connect with? Maybe it’s time to get back to your church or try taking that meditation class you’ve been thinking about. Is there a political cause that speaks to your heart? Helping others reach a meaningful goal can be a great way to find purpose in your own life. Humans are not meant to be alone. We need to socialize. If you have been feeling down, now’s the time to go out and make some new connections. And if you’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety for some time and could use someone to talk to, please give me a call.

Mental Health Therapy in Florida

If you’d like to schedule an appointment or get any of your questions answered, please call our office at 954-378-5381  and 561-223-1066 or send us an email at info@caringtherapistsofbroward.com. Hi, I'm Amanda Walch. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida International University and earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. My clinical experience includes working with individuals 18 and older at a crisis stabilization unit providing individual, group, couple and family counseling, and suicide intervention for clients experiencing crisis and/or experiencing acute exacerbation of mental health symptoms. I also have experience working with children, adolescents, parents and families by providing individual and family therapy to assist families with emotional support, positive parenting skills, treating issues associated with foster care, and providing adoption therapy. I have experience working with a wide range of childhood issues including infant mental health, trauma, sexual/physical abuse, grief/loss, mood disorders, divorce issues, anger issues, anxiety, family issues, school adjustment issues, etc. For more information, visit: https://caringtherapistsofbroward.com/staff/amanda-walch/ SOURCES:

• https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2019/The-Importance-of-Community-and-Mental-Health
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-mild-cognitive-impairment/201606/the-health-benefits-socializing
• https://dailylife.com/article/7-ways-your-friendships-improve-your-mental-health