Rajashree Das
(ruchadas98@gmail.com)
Mental health significantly influences our quality of life. Hence, both our mental health just like physical health needs to be taken care of and maintained. And one way that it can be maintained is through maintaining a sense of community.
The community can be defined in numerous ways, but when simplified down to its most important elements, the community is each about connection. A community isn't just a cluster or a group of people. It's a feeling. It is about feeling connected to others, feeling accepted for who you're and feeling supported. Having a connection can help us feel wanted and loved.
Why is a community important to mental health?
We're social beings, and we aren't meant to live in isolation. Community is critical for us to thrive, especially for the ones with prolonged illness and who are also passing through the common symptoms of loneliness and isolation. The community provides numerous rudiments that are critical to mental health, but then are three of the most salutary aspects.
A sense of belongingness
You know, it can be a lonely experience, if you've ever felt like you don't fit in. The community provides a sense of belonging - a group you identify as being a part of. This is different from conforming to be in a group. A true sense of belonging includes the capability for you to feel you're a part of the community as your true tone. There isn't anything you have to change to be a part of the community, but rather, you're embraced and appreciated for your unique qualities.
• Support who do you turn to when you need a community?
Having people you can call on when you need to talk or need help with, the community can help you go out through delicate situations that might feel invincible alone. Knowing that there are people who support you can help you feel watched for and safe and can profit your outlook on life.
• Purpose
In a community, people come from different places. Maybe, you're the friend who enjoys various cuisines and can be counted on to bring a luscious dinner over for a casual meet. Or you're the friend who others know they can count on when they need to talk about their struggles. These places can give you a sense of purpose by bettering other people's lives. Having a purpose, and helping others, helps give meaning to your life.
How to find a Community?
When looking for a stronger sense of connection, you have to start with tone reflection.
Being apprehensive of what's important to you can help you find ways to connect with other like-inclined people.
Connecting with a community bigger than you is another helpful way to broaden your community. Humans crave connection. Feeling accepted for who you truly are can give you confirmation and tone worth. Knowing there are people who support you and will be there for you when you are floundering provides a sense of safety. And knowing you're asked, that you have a purpose, reminds you that you're valued.
The community provides all these rates and further. Where you find a community is over to you; there's no one-size-fits-all. And if you haven't found a strong sense of community yet, keep trying. No matter if your community is big or small, chancing people you connect with, is vital for your internal health.
Interests: What do you like to do? Maybe, you enjoy reading and could try joining a book club. Or perhaps you've always wanted to try soccer and could try joining a platoon. The possibilities are endless, and you might find it easier to connect with others while doing the conditioning you enjoy.
Values: What are your values? This order could include charities or levy work. Being of service is satisfying, and you can connect with others, who have analogous values or watch about the same causes as you. A big part of erecting your community is giving back to each other, and chancing levy work is a great way to start.
Beliefs: What do you believe in? If you connect with a spiritual practice or religion, try going to a speaking engagement, introductory class or service. Or if a political cause speaks to you, you can join a group that works toward a thing that's meaningful to you.
And remember, just as it's important for you to find your community, it's also important for others to have you as a part of their community. We all need each other.