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Community Fair- The Importance of Community for Mental Health

Liberation Lunes | September 9th, 2024

Welcome Fearfully and Wonderfully made human!


This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of participating in the 4th Annual Community Fair hosted by Deerfield Beach Community Cares (DBCC). The day was a reminder of how essential community is for our mental health—something we’ve often taken for granted, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and the isolating effects it left behind. The impacts of isolation have been detrimental, but the solution lies right in front of us: reconnecting with community.


DBCC was born out of tragedy in our hometown of Deerfield Beach. Early in 2020, before the pandemic hit, I met Joel Smith, then the Executive Director of the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP), on one of those heartbreaking mornings when a student had taken her life. We were meeting to discuss how I could start a suicide prevention club at the school where I was working as a therapist. It was clear that our community lacked the necessary resources to deal with the devastating toll that suicide was taking.


After this tragedy, Joel (seen here on my right) left FISP to form DBCC and build a team to address the mental health needs of our community. Though I couldn’t join his team due to my busy practice, I have supported their mission whenever I can. Now, DBCC flourishes under Joel’s leadership as President and CEO, along with Kurt Schmidt (with yellow hat on my left), the Chair of the Board. Together, they’ve grown this organization into a vital lifeline for our community, focusing on health, wellness, and youth development initiatives.


As we’ve learned through both tragedy and triumph, the impacts of isolation have been significant, but healing starts with reconnection. This is where the power of community comes into play. Keep reading to discover how reconnecting can transform your mental health and learn practical ways to engage.


The Science Behind Community and Mental Health


Before the industrial revolution, human life centered around tight-knit communities. Whether it was through villages, tribes, or extended family units, our sense of identity and well-being was deeply connected to others. Modern science affirms what history has shown—people thrive when they belong.


Research has demonstrated that engaging in community activities can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. After the pandemic, rates of mental health disorders, especially anxiety and depression, have increased significantly. Isolation can cause our brain to go into a state of overdrive, amplifying our fears and worries. By returning to social settings, we retrain our brain, creating new neural pathways that reinforce positive interactions and support systems. Social engagement stimulates the release of oxytocin, which helps reduce stress levels, boosts mood, and promotes feelings of connection.


Why Volunteering Matters


Volunteering gives us an opportunity to get out of ourselves, shift the focus from our personal struggles to the service of others, and develop a greater sense of purpose. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), there’s a principle called “behavioral activation,” which encourages individuals to engage in meaningful activities even when they don’t feel like it. By participating in activities like volunteering, we can break the cycle of negative thinking and slowly begin to lift ourselves out of depression and anxiety.


Think of it this way: Sitting too long with negative thoughts can intensify feelings of anxiety. When we act, especially for others, it disrupts that cycle, brings purpose back to our lives, and builds resilience.

Practical Community Engagement Mental Health Tips: How to Get Started


1. Behavioral Activation: Challenge yourself to engage in a community activity or volunteer work, even if you don’t feel motivated. It’s about taking action first, knowing that the feelings of fulfillment will follow.

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Start with attending one event, like a community fair, or volunteering once a month. These small steps can lead to larger changes in your mindset.

3. Engage in Positive Social Interactions: Be intentional about spending time with others who uplift and encourage you. Whether through friends, family, or new acquaintances, positive social support can be a game-changer for mental health.

4. Use Meetups and Volunteering Platforms: Not sure where to start? Try using platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, or VolunteerMatch to find community events or volunteer opportunities near you.


Explore Service Clubs and Organizations


Another great way to find community and purpose is through joining established service clubs. These organizations not only provide valuable volunteer opportunities but also offer a way to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference:


• Kiwanis International: A global organization that focuses on improving the lives of children through community service.

• Rotary International: Rotary clubs unite professionals and leaders to solve community challenges both locally and globally.

• General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC): An international organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service.

• Lions Clubs International: Known for its focus on sight and health services, Lions Clubs bring communities together through service projects.


These groups offer ways to give back and connect with others, helping both your mental health and the community at large. Look up your local chapters or visit their websites to get involved!


Theological Insights: A Community in the Divine


As Christians, we believe in a God who exists in perfect community: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are created in His image, which means we are designed for relationships, not isolation. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, we are reminded that “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”


Being part of a community also reflects our role as believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”


Finding Community Near You


If you’ve been struggling with isolation or have noticed an increase in feelings of depression or anxiety, I encourage you to seek out community. Here are a few ways to start:


• Local Churches: Many churches offer small groups or volunteer opportunities that not only allow you to serve but also provide spiritual nourishment.

• Community Centers: Check out your local community center for free or low-cost events.

• Online Groups: If physical attendance is a challenge, there are plenty of online groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals (just make sure they are healthy, encouraging spaces!).


A Prayer for Connection and Healing


Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of community and the reminder that we are not meant to journey through life alone. In a world where isolation often feels overwhelming, we ask that You guide us back to one another. Help us to build connections that uplift and strengthen our hearts, minds, and spirits. May we serve one another with love and compassion, reflecting Your grace in all we do. Lead us to places where we can give and receive support, knowing that in serving others, we find healing ourselves. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.


Call to Action


Let this blog be your nudge to step out. Attend a community event, sign up for a volunteer opportunity, or simply reach out to someone for a conversation. The healing power of community is waiting for you.


In Service, Faith, Hope, and Love,

Diana


PS: Don’t forget to check out my other blog posts for more tips on mental health and faith-based encouragement! You can also listen to the Holistic Counselor Podcast!



And now for the disclaimer to make sure you understand that YOU are responsible for YOU:


Disclaimer:

The content provided on Liberation Lunes is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) immediately. Liberation Lunes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by Liberation Lunes, others appearing on the blog at the invitation of Liberation Lunes, or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.


Confidentiality Notice:

If you choose to engage with Liberation Lunes by commenting or posting and you are a client, please be aware that you may be revealing information that could compromise your confidentiality. Remember that disclosing your identity or personal details can be linked to your clinical material. As a therapist, I am bound by confidentiality and will not respond to any disclosures of this nature on this blog. I am committed to upholding the ethics and confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship, which extends to all forms of communication, following the laws and professional guidelines that govern mental health professionals. Your privacy is of utmost importance, and you are responsible for protecting it when interacting on this platform or any other public forum.

 

 





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