Title: Connections with community | Head to Health
Headings: Connecting with community
Connecting with community
On this page
What’s troubling you?
“I need to be around people, even though it's not easy at times. You get out of your own head that way.”
Overview
Feeling valued and comfortable socially can prevent and reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and more.
A closer look
Stigma and social exclusion impacts mental wellbeing
Recreational physical activity improves mental health
Worldwide studies show social participation is directly linked to mental wellbeing
Friendships and peer social support protects mental health in young people
Stigma and social exclusion impacts mental wellbeing
Recreational physical activity improves mental health
Worldwide studies show social participation is directly linked to mental wellbeing
Friendships and peer social support protects mental health in young people
Stigma and social exclusion impacts mental wellbeing
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Content: People without social support are five times more likely to experience a mental illness (UK study). Social participation and support are strongly linked to a long life, as well as the improved handling of stressful life situations (Norway study). Participating socially can be an effective way to maintain cognitive vitality in older adults (USA study). ( Source)
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Friendships and peer social support protects mental health in young people
Social support has been proven to be a protective factor in children and teenagers’ mental wellbeing. Feeling valued and comfortable socially can prevent and reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and more. Connection and community via peer groups even leads to fewer behavioural issues. ( Source)
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Stigma and social exclusion impacts mental wellbeing
Discrimination, stigma, and being ignored are all experiences that have worsened or created a barrier to social connectedness for people experiencing mental illness. Stigma has, in some cases, affected carers and family members of the person experiencing the mental illness as well. ( Source)
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Recreational physical activity improves mental health
A large study revealed that psychological distress reduced by 34% from playing recreational sport 1-3 times a week. Organised recreational activity can improve cognitive functioning and self-esteem.