If you have ever volunteered your time or resources you understand this simple truth – giving feels good. It’s interesting to think that sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is actually doing something for someone else. There is a significant correlation between altruism and mental health. Sure, we may have experienced this before, but we probably haven’t considered why this is the case.
Social Benefits
Volunteering helps you met like-minded people in a low-stress environment. We know how important it is for our mental health to be around others, but it’s difficult to make friends as adults. Aside from work, there aren’t many places that you will meet like-minded people. Even if you do meet adults in other settings, it’s hard to find others that have the same values as you do. Volunteering for a cause that you are passionate about is a great way to find others that are passionate about the same things. Being social directly improves our mental health by making us feel less alone.
Depression
Around the world, over 264 million people struggle with depression. This number is alarming in more ways than one. One of the lifestyle changes mentioned by professionals for depression is making sure that you get some sort of socialization each day. Volunteering is a great way to improve your depression because you are able to socialize and help someone in need.
Sense of Purpose
Another benefit to giving is it gives you a sense of purpose. When someone is struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, they often have a hard time finding a sense of purpose. Giving your time or resources to others makes us feel good because it makes us feel that we have a purpose no matter how messed up our lives seem.
Something to keep in mind with giving your time, resources, or heart is that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Yes, volunteering can help your mental health, but it’s also important to prioritize your mental health while doing so. The feel-good feelings you get from giving are wonderful – but they are not a replacement for mental health treatment.
It’s inevitable that we will all struggle at some point in our lives. Helping others while they are down is an incredible way to give back if you are on the up and up. Having empathy for others that are going through something you may not understand is part of the human experience. Having empathy for others allows us to connect, understand, and love on the deepest level possible. In a world that is filled with so many ugly things, you can make a difference by helping others that might need your help. We may think that we are just one person and we can’t possibly make a difference. But giving back allows us to embody the kindness we wish was everywhere in the world.
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