The Mental Health Benefits of Community and Connection

Having a positive sense of community is known to have a positive impact on mental health. In several studies, the impact of having a negative connection to community or a lack of community is tied to higher incidences of depression, anxiety, and overall stress. Additionally, in populations with already higher relative stress such as minority populations, lower socioeconomic classes, and gender nonconforming or queer groups, having a strong community is objectively more important. 

But how do we build and nurture our community? Where are our people? It seems so difficult to build connections and create trusting, expansive networks while managing the expectations of modern society.

Start Where You Are

It seems simple, but the way we start to build community is by beginning to show up consistently with and for those we already care about. While self-care and boundaries are important, consistency and community-care are also imperative to building a support network. Balancing this equation can be tricky, but if you feel like you can manage to show up to the dinner or the party, show up! 

If you can, make friends with your friends’ friends! As this community expands and you become a more solidified member, there will be more and more opportunities to be a community member and to continue to show up in ways that aren’t dinner or parties. This is where you can start nurturing relationships. 

Step Up in Your Community

Having a strong community also means being a strong community member. It means stepping up when you can manage this. Most of this becomes instinctual when you have strong emotional ties with members of your community, but it can look differently in different situations. Maybe stepping up is simply pet sitting? Maybe it’s bringing dinner to a sick friend? Maybe it’s just a text check in on a day you know could be difficult? Maybe it’s organizing a celebration dinner for a graduation or promotion? 

Aside from community building, there is also considerable evidence that helping others improves mental health by fostering a sense of purpose, increasing self-esteem, boosting mood, and reducing stress. Truly by stepping up for others, you’re very possibly helping yourself in more ways than one. 

Overcoming Discomfort in Receiving Support

A major aspect of being in community is reciprocation of care, which means that as a member, you also have to become comfortable receiving support. There have been studies that show that someone who models comfort in receiving aid, even something as simple as asking their neighbor for eggs, is more likely to be approached for aid in return. In leaning on others, you’re allowing others to lean on you in the future and providing them the same opportunity for connection that you’re seeking in helping you. 

The Vulnerability of Reaching Out and Making Connection

All of this can seem a bit obvious, but it can feel vulnerable! It can feel like you’re overstepping when you start to take these steps because it’s been so long since we’ve been in community as a society. Beginning to befriend our friends’ friends can feel like we’re infringing on their social circle for instance. Stopping by with a meal or offering to organize a celebration can feel presumptuous. Requesting someone to help support you during your difficult times can feel as though you’re burdening others. Even sending a text to check in can feel intrusive. 

However, if these actions also feel like you’re doing them in hopes of genuine connection, I dare you to try to connect. You are responsible for your effort, they are responsible for whether they choose to receive this. In time, and in community, these efforts will become second nature and will build on themselves. 

How We Can Help

If you're feeling disconnected or unsure how to take those first vulnerable steps toward community, you aren’t alone. Therapy can be a supportive space to explore what connection looks like for you and how to show up authentically with others.

Whether you’re navigating identity, loneliness, or the desire to build more meaningful relationships, we’re here to help! Schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to see how we can support you in growing the community you deserve.

Author Biography

Chryssiana McGilvrey is an intern therapist and a provider for the Affordable Counseling Program at Catalyss Counseling. She works with adults experiencing anxiety, ADHD, as well as grief, LGBTQIA+, and autism. Chryssiana is very passionate about counseling and holding space for others in moments of vulnerability. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

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