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    "slug": "community-influences-on-mental-health",
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        "rendered": "<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"2682\" class=\"elementor elementor-2682\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5959a4e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5959a4e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4d35888\" data-id=\"4d35888\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2fd3dd elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b2fd3dd\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 15-04-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental health heavily influences our quality of life. So it makes sense that mental health, just like physical health, needs to be taken care of and maintained. And one way that it can be maintained is through finding a sense of community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;Community can be defined in many ways, but when simplified down to its most important element, community is all about connection. Community is not just an entity or a group of people, it\u2019s a feeling. It\u2019s feeling connected to others, feeling accepted for who you are and feeling supported. Having <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6125010\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">connection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help us feel wanted and loved.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>Why Is Community Important To Mental Health?<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019re social beings, and we are not meant to live in isolation. Community is critical for us to thrive, especially for someone with mental illness who is already experiencing the common symptoms of loneliness and isolation.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community provides many elements that are critical to mental health, but here are three of the most beneficial aspects.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Belonging<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve ever felt like you don\u2019t fit in, you know it can be a lonely experience. Community provides a sense of belonging \u2014 a group you identify as being a part of. This is different from conforming to being in a group. A true sense of belonging includes the ability for you to feel you are a part of the community as your true self. There is not anything you have to change to be a part of the community, but instead, you are embraced and appreciated for your unique qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Support<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who do you turn to when you need something? 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. Knowing there are people who support you&nbsp; can help you feel cared for and safe, and can benefit your outlook on life.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In community, people fill different roles. Perhaps you\u2019re the friend who enjoys cooking and can be counted on to bring a hot meal over when someone is going through something. Or you\u2019re the friend who others know they can call when they need to talk about their struggles. These roles can give you a sense of purpose through bettering other people\u2019s lives. Having purpose, and helping others, helps give meaning to life.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><strong>How To Find Community<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When looking for a stronger sense of connection, you have to start with self-reflection. Being aware of what\u2019s important to you can help you find ways to connect with other like-minded people.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Interests&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do you like to do? Perhaps you enjoy reading and could try joining a book club. Or maybe you\u2019ve always wanted to try soccer and could try joining a team. The possibilities are endless, and you might find it easier to connect with others while doing activities you enjoy.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Values&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are your values? This category could include charities or volunteer work. Being of service is rewarding, and you can connect with others who have similar values or care about the same causes as you. A big part of building your community is giving back to each other, and finding volunteer work is a great way to start<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Beliefs&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do you believe in? If you connect with a spiritual practice or religion, try going to a speaking engagement, introductory class or service. Or if a political cause speaks to you, you can join a group that works toward a goal that\u2019s meaningful to you. Connecting with something bigger than you is another helpful way to broaden your community.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Humans crave connection. Feeling accepted for who you truly are can give you validation and self-worth. Knowing there are people who support you and will be there for you when you\u2019re struggling<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides a sense of safety. And knowing you\u2019re needed, that you have a purpose, reminds you that you are valued. Community provides all these qualities and more.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where you find community is up to you; there is no one-size-fits-all. And if you haven\u2019t found a strong sense of community yet, keep trying. No matter if your community is big or small, finding people you connect with is vital for your mental health. And remember, just as it\u2019s important for you to find your community, it\u2019s also important for others to have you as a part of their community. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; color: var( --e-global-color-627ab83 ); font-style: var(--theme-font-style, inherit); letter-spacing: var(--theme-letter-spacing); text-transform: var(--theme-text-transform); text-decoration: var(--theme-text-decoration);\">We all need to be connected to other people. Our wellbeing depends on the relationships we develop, not just intimate relationships, but also with others in our community, such as colleagues, neighbours, teammates, shopkeepers, or interest groups. For people affected by mental health issues, feeling connected to, and part of, their community can be a challenge, especially when they have experienced discrimination or become socially isolated.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community inclusion isn\u2019t just important for wellbeing, it is a human right. People affected by mental health issues are still often excluded from society.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The community inclusion movement articulates inclusion as a legal and human right, highlighting research showing that increased opportunities to live a meaningful life within a community enhance general medical, cognitive, and mental health and wellness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who have experienced recovery tell us that being part of a community is just as important to wellbeing\u2014and sometimes more important\u2014than other supports, like medication or therapy. Focusing on community inclusion means making sure that people have the same opportunities as everyone else to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">create a home&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">develop relationships or reconnect with family and friends<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">find a job or study<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">be part of social movements<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">explore recreational and cultural opportunities&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make inclusion a reality, we need to make sure that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people have many opportunities to fully participate in the community&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">communities are supported to welcome and include everyone&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">services focus on community inclusion as a human right<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Community services include psychiatric wards of general <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hospitals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (including <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">partial hospitalization<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), local <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">primary care<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> medical services, community mental health centers, and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">self-help groups for mental health<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The services may be provided by government organizations and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mental health professionals<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including specialized teams providing services across a geographical area, such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">assertive community treatment<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">early psychosis<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> teams. They may also be provided by private or charitable organisations.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>",
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