Where you find community is up to you; there is no one-size-fits-all. It’s feeling connected to others, feeling accepted for who you are and feeling supported. We’re always accepting submissions to the NAMI Blog! What are your values? While doing some research, I came across this article written by Stephanie Gilbert for National Alliance for Mental Illness and had to share. Feeling accepted for who you truly are can give you validation and self-worth. Community is critical for us to thrive, especially for someone with mental illness who is already experiencing the common symptoms of loneliness and isolation. 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. Or if a political cause speaks to you, you can join a group that works toward a goal that’s meaningful to you. Community provides all these qualities and more. Or maybe you’ve always wanted to try soccer and could try joining a team. These group efforts have community services boards and phone hotlines for behavioral health patients to find help 24 hours per day. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in, you know it can be a lonely experience. Belonging. Being aware of what’s important to you can help you find ways to connect with other like-minded people. Community provides a sense of belonging — a group you identify as being a part of. Community is critical for us to thrive, especially for someone with mental illness who is already experiencing the common symptoms of loneliness and isolation. Being of service is rewarding, and you can connect with others who have similar values or care about the same causes as you. Having connection can help us feel wanted and loved. The possibilities are endless, and you might find it easier to connect with others while doing activities you enjoy. Having people you can call on when you need to talk or need help... Purpose. Interests  Your mental health affects your financial stability. An important implication of this definition is that mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. There will be a lot of news, announcements and updates that affect your community during this pandemic. Most people are not aware of how mental fitness … Having people you can call on when you need to talk or need help with something can help you through difficult situations that might feel insurmountable alone. NAMI Or you’re the friend who others know they can call when they need to talk about their struggles. Our volunteers answer questions, offer support and provide practical next steps. Community health is a medical specialty that focuses on the physical and mental well-being of the people in a specific geographic region. Having people you can call on when you need to talk or need help with something can help you through difficult situations that might feel insurmountable alone. These roles can give you a sense of purpose through bettering other people’s lives. Knowing there are people who support you  can help you feel cared for and safe, and can benefit your outlook on life. Being aware of what’s important to you can help you find ways to connect with other like-minded people. Required fields are marked *. The community mental health is important but some where they are lack to ensure the well being of marginalised people who are affected by the mental illness. Community can be defined in many ways, but when simplified down to its most important element, community is all about connection. “Community health impacts everything—educational achievement, safety and crime, people’s ability to work and be financially healthy, life expectancy, happiness and more,” Bognanno says. PLEASE leave your name and email and sign up for our COVID-19 Mailing List and receive information about resources available and pertinant news. Beliefs What do you believe in? She provides individual and group therapy, incorporating depth psychology, mindfulness practices and cognitive behavioral therapy. Connecting with something bigger than you is another helpful way to broaden your community. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in a given year, one in five, or 18.5% of … It’s feeling connected to others, feeling accepted for who you are and feeling supported. Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.