How Community and Mental Health Meet
24th May 2025
As we continue with the theme of Community in Mental Health, let us take a closer look at how community and mental health intersect.
Within the community, individuals play a key role in shaping the overall environment. Ideas, beliefs, values, culture, preferences, and viewpoints come together to form a roadmap that guides how communities function. These contributions begin with each individual and what they bring to the whole.
At its best, the community helps to form a web of protection from harm through security personnel, caring neighbours, mentors, healthcare workers and facilities, friendly advice, professional groups, and information centres. It also fosters a sense of connection, sociability, belonging, a safe space for self-discovery, the comfort of consistency, and opportunities for growth in various ways.
At its worst, one might feel insecure, isolated, experience discomfort, have their needs overlooked, face stigma for deviating from the norm, stand out for being different, be shunned for not adhering to rules, or even be rejected.
However, the more important perspective on community lies in recognising the role each person plays in shaping or transforming the environment around them. How well we embrace diversity—both within ourselves and in others—helps to promote the benefits we seek in a thriving community.
How to Build a Positive Community
● Be a positive influence on someone in your community from time to time.
● Use your voice for the benefit of others, whether by sharing useful information or standing up for the right cause on behalf of someone near you.
● Give your time to someone in need. This could be through volunteering or offering mentorship.
● Go green. Take part in activities that support the environment, such as picking up litter, cycling instead of using petrol-powered transport, planting a tree, or recycling plastic.
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