Why Community is Vital for Mental Health

We’re living through a modern life period of self-sufficiency and isolation. We work online and from home. We log into our social media channels to ‘connect’ with others while we sit alone staring at a computer screen. We can watch the latest blockbuster movie without leaving our house. Food and essentially everything else we need can be ordered and delivered to the comfort of our homes. We shop through endless portals of commerce, clicking “buy” and waiting for our products to arrive. We can do therapy sessions online, and now, with the aid of AI, we can program a bot to act as a therapist for us.

But here’s the thing: You’re not meant to do this alone. Humans aren’t made to spend large amounts of time without company, companionship, and connection.

We are wired for authentic human connection. We need each other. And most of us need more than what our modern-day lives are giving us.

Why is Community Vital for our Mental Health and Well-being?

When we think of being "healthy," we often focus on our physical health by working out and eating right, but our mental health also needs to be taken care of and maintained, as it greatly influences our overall quality of life. What is the best way to strengthen mental and physical health? Finding a sense of community. Across many studies, research has found that one of the indicators of longevity is not diet or exercise but rather…community.

A Harvard School of Public Health article shows that people “with strong social connections may live longer and healthier lives.” The review of 148 studies found that not only is isolation not healthy but there was a 50% greater risk of premature death in socially isolated people compared to those with stronger social connections.

It’s true! People who are active and socially connected to their community makeup of family and friends are shown to live longer, happier, and healthier lives. This connectivity also means fewer instances of mental health issues than those who live more isolated and solitary lives. A study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that “compared with those who report a positive sense of community, those with a negative sense of community had a significantly higher odds of reporting depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.”

Community is essential, whether from family, coaching, work, house of worship, group therapy events, or like-minded friends—support changes everything. Being part of a strong community that we can depend on is vital for our mental health and well-being.

A strong community network provides people with a sense of safety and belonging, serving as the bedrock of support during times of transition or difficulty. Community gives us purpose, and studies show that those who have a sense of purpose feel a greater connection to the world around them.

When we have secure, supportive, and positive connections with others—we thrive!

What is a Community?

Depending on who you ask, the definition of community will vary in many ways. But at its core, community = connection. There are many types of communities, and you can be a part of more than one because a community is more than just a group of people within a geographic location.

While your friends, family, peer group, and others with similar values make up part of your close community, you might also have outside interests or work that lends you to creating different communities. These people are all brought together because they share something in common. Maybe it's a group you play sports with, a class you’re taking, a hobby you’re working on, an activist group you join for grassroots protests, or hey, maybe you’re a Swiftie—Taylor Swift has been known to bring community to millions!

In the end, it’s about feeling connected to people, having others accept you for who you are, and ultimately, feeling safe and supported through life's ups and downs. Havingconnection helps us feel wanted and loved and creates empathy towards others. Who doesn’t crave that?

Beneficial Aspects of Community

Most humans are fairly social beings, and while many of us are now living increasingly isolated lives, we’re not meant to. Being introverted is not the same thing as being isolated. Having a strong community provides many elements that are vital to mental health.

As psychologist Dr. Sawchuk, a mental health specialist from the renowned Mayo Clinic, says, “We are social animals by nature, so we tend to function better when we’re in a community and being around others.”

Let’s examine four of the most beneficial aspects of community and mental health:

1. A Sense of Belonging

Feeling like you don’t fit in anywhere can be a lonely and isolating experience. Finding that special kind of community where you’re accepted as your authentic self can provide a deep sense of belonging. When we find groups we identify with and can be a genuine part of, our mental health improves.

2. A Supportive Environment

Do you have someone you can truly count on? We’ve all gone through difficult times, but there’s a big difference between facing everything alone and having people to support you. Being part of a community group that you can turn to when you need something or just want an empathetic ear can greatly benefit your mental health and outlook on life.

3. Having Purpose

When you lack purpose, you lack motivation, and life can become very empty. With community, you have a role to fill. Maybe you’re the one who organizes the book club, or perhaps you love hosting the weekly game night. Or, people may know you as a caretaker who always shows up at the right time with a home-cooked meal and a willingness to listen. Whatever role you play (and they could be multiple!), they all give you a sense of purpose as you enrich your life and the lives of others.

4. Increased Longevity

Making social connection a lifestyle priority produces positive physical and mental health benefits along with increased longevity. During and after the Covid-19 pandemic, people experienced loneliness and isolation more than ever before. As a result of the stress of isolation, mental health issues spiked, and more people became vulnerable to disease and early death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) now examines social isolation as a growing public health issue that “should be taken as seriously as more well-known issues like smoking, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.” However, the latest research shows that “having strong and secure relationships not only increases our happiness but also our longevity by roughly 50 percent.”

How to Find Community

Your community serves not just as a sense of belonging but also as a social safety net. However, making those connections, finding “your people,” and becoming a part of that community is different than just making friends. Building connection and community does require some work.

• Find the “Why”
  When you’re searching for the right community, you’ll need to start asking yourself some questions about what’s important to you. What is your “why”? What’s important to you? What do you value? What makes you happy and brings you joy? Practicing self-reflection can help you as you seek other like-minded people with whom you feel strongly connected. Don’t be afraid to expand your search to people of different ages and backgrounds. The more diverse your social portfolio, the better the odds of finding a connection.
  
  

• Examine your Interests
  Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time, or what have you always been curious to try? It’s often easier to connect with others while doing activities you enjoy. Maybe you’re passionate about social justice and thrive in bringing people together for a common cause. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try playing pickleball and could try joining a league. When you start to examine your interests and expand the list to consider things you’re curious about—the possibilities become endless.
  
  

• Giving Back
  Many people find community building by giving back. Volunteer work is an excellent way to start. Think about what you believe in—from spiritual practices to animal rights—and try attending a meeting or service dedicated to your beliefs. There are volunteer opportunities in nearly every area, from politics to cooking for a church group. When you find something that really speaks to you, joining that group can create an opening to being a part of a meaningful community.

We All Need Community for Mental Health

Humans not only need connection—we crave it—and real connection happens best when you connect over deep values. Feeling like you’re a part of a bigger group where you feel appreciated, accepted, and supported is what community is all about.

If you’re struggling with finding the right community, you’re not alone! Just keep in mind these things can take time to make friendships and community. Connections exist everywhere, but you have to be willing to put yourself out there. Remember, someone else is also out there looking to find their community, too! When it comes to better mental health, we all benefit from each other. 

At The Place Retreats, our gifted team of therapists and holistic practitioners, understands the importance of mental health and community. Surrounded by nature with lush, tropical Balinese gardens, our luxury retreat centre is a private sanctuary where clients have a restorative space to process and connect to their inner self while discovering their “why”.

If you’re ready to learn more, reach out to The Place Retreats for your free 15-minute consultation. Let us design a tailor-made mental health retreat to rediscover yourself. You don’t have to do this alone.