MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Multiple studies have shown that nurturing meaningful relationships and feeling a sense of connection goes beyond the benefits of mutual support; it has real physiological effects on our physical and psychological health and resilience, perhaps even strengthening our immune system and increasing longevity.​

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In the broadest sense, when we are part of a community, we feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves and share positive connections with others who share similar ideas and values – also known as social cohesion.

 

This means that, just as we might feel lonely in a crowd of people we know, it’s possible to feel a sense of community even among a group of strangers who share an idea or identity. It’s this sense of positive connection — this mutual trust and respect — that forms the basis of community and the benefits it creates for our physical and mental wellbeing.​

 

It offers us the support we need to navigate life’s challenges and reminds us we are not alone in our struggles.

 

It provides us with a sense of security and safety, helping us to appreciate differences in each other.

 

Communities provide natural opportunities for giving and receiving help, which boosts self-esteem and creates positive feedback loops of social support.

 

The act of helping others within the community can be particularly beneficial for mental health.

 

It’s especially important in these difficult times, when the high cost-of-living is hitting families across the UK, stress and burnout are widespread, and millions of children and young people are seeking mental health support.

 

Our sense of connection is more important than ever.​​

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Having a strong sense of community is important for general mental and physical wellbeing, but it’s especially important for people who experience bullying, trauma or loss, or feel isolated or marginalised. Depending on the community, members can benefit from mutual support, advice, and practical help.

 

They help us feel less alone, reducing stress and isolation. In fact, one study found that at a national level, having someone to rely on in tough times is the second biggest explainer of wellbeing between high and low wellbeing countries.

 

People who feel more connected to others also have lower rates of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem, and greater empathy towards others.

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The benefits extend beyond mental health. Research shows that people who are part of strong communities have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and may lead to 50% increased chance of longevity.

 

Research has even demonstrated that community directly benefits immune function and inflammation, helping us recover from disease faster.

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These factors show that having a strong sense of social connection through being part of a community is essential for maintaining our physical and mental wellbeing.​

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While having a strong community and a strong sense of social cohesion results in clear benefits for mental and physical health, the opposite is true for loneliness.

 

While loneliness is common, and most people will feel lonely at some point, feeling lonely most or all of the time can have a serious impact on our wellbeing.

 

The Office for National Statistics found that 1 in 13 adults in Great Britain reported feeling lonely often or always.

 

Beyond simply feeling like you have nobody to talk to or no support in place through life’s hardships, loneliness can have a direct impact on our health. 

 

One study even found that a lack of social cohesion or social connection — i.e., a lack of community — is a greater detriment to health than smoking and high blood pressure.

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Loneliness isn’t the same as social isolation. Just as you can feel connected to others even among strangers who share your beliefs, and you can be content in solitude, you can feel lonely in a room full of people whom you know.​

 

Research has found that, while we assume elderly people to be the most lonely demographic, young people are often the most lonely.

 

This may be due to several factors, including social isolation due to leading digital lives on social media (and the comparison with others’ lives on social media), the cost-of-living crisis affecting the ability to live independent lives. 

 

Research also shows that the pandemic had a profound effect on young peoples’ mental health, particularly social anxiety. However, the causes of loneliness are not one-size-fits-all.

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While digital lives may contribute to loneliness for some, young people who experience social anxiety are described as feeling more confident and comfortable in online interactions.

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This means that loneliness is a complex issue, and avoiding uncomfortable social situations in “real life” may only have short-term benefits.

 

But there are many ways to combat loneliness through building meaningful relationships with others and participating in nurturing communities.