Contributing to Your Community – Ways to Achieve Optimal Mental Health – Part 4 of 4

The World Health Organization claims that contributing to your community is the fourth way to achieve optimal mental health. A Community can be many things. I believe it has four facets: home, neighborhood, surrounding areas, and the world beyond. Unless we extend past our immediate surroundings, we are limiting the opportunity to make a difference to others.

There’s too much me-ism and not enough we-ism. We all have something to offer. The more we offer ourselves to others, the less we focus on lack and the more intrinsic value we gain. Mental health is about being involved and avoiding isolation.

Our Home:

Some people don’t think of their home as a community, but even if you live alone, your personal community matters. There are many ways to contribute to your home – the place that keeps you safe. Keeping it clean and in order will make you feel good. Taking care of plants and pets gives you a purpose and a reason to stay healthy. Caring for your partner and your children is of no less value than an entire town.

The family community is the origin of all others. Even if you live alone, you can make friends as part of your home community. Some people have close friends that they consider family and have to their homes regularly. Others become close with employees or other support systems.

People who are depressed have how energy levels and sometimes have difficulty getting out of bed. Being immobile fuels depression and having things to do dissipates it. When you focus on the needs of others, your pets, and your environment as much as yourself, you’re more likely to feel a sense of purpose. You might have limitations and can’t go far, but your home is a community that needs you as much as any other.

Our Neighborhood:

I heard a great story from a couple who became best friends with their next-door neighbors. For years, they shared dinners together, and after they put their kids to bed, would go to one of their homes to talk, play cards, or watch movies. They and their children were enriched by these experiences. It made me think of early civilization when everyone lived in tribes – like one big family. How could anyone feel lonely when there’s always someone around?

We could all benefit from reaching out to our neighbors. You don’t have to spend the evening with them. You simply need to be aware that they exist. To say hello, have a brief chat, or even offer to do a small favor, can make you feel worthy. Feeling connected to your community is a vital way to stay mentally healthy.

Our Community:

Your community is the surrounding area in which you reside, and beyond. It could be your town, city, or county where you spend most of your time. Whether you realize it or not, your community needs you. Many people and causes need help and you can get as involved as much or as little as you want.

I recently read a book by a homeless man (Leo Gnawa) who was served by and who served his community. He’s written books about being homeless. He self-published them and sold them on 15^th Street in Washington, DC (where I purchased my copy from him) so that he would have some financial independence and save up for an apartment. He made friends with some of the people who read his books. They helped him, by delivering supplies to him, a mattress for his tent, and posting on social media. He used some of the book proceeds to help other homeless people obtain things they needed. Sometimes it was as simple as taking a mom and her child to McDonalds or getting supplies from a drug store. Even though Leo was homeless, he maintained a mentally healthy attitude of gratitude because he felt useful to and cared about by others.

I’ll be seeing the homeless in a whole new light after reading Leo’s book. His ability to stay helpful and positive no matter what proves that mental health and homelessness aren’t synonymous. Leo fits all four criteria for being mentally healthy. He was able to cope with the stresses of life, realize his ability, learn and work well, and contribute to his community.

Our World:

There’s no lack of need for volunteers and financial help the world over. Assisting one of these organizations keeps them alive and sustainable. Whether it’s food and medicine for the impoverished, helping victims of war, or sharing in any capacity, it makes the world a better place.

Some leaders are called to send their message on a broad scale. Their message should always be one of healing and unity, not divide and conquer. We, as a world, remain mentally healthy when we treat ourselves as members of the same family, not foes.

It is said that one drop of water ripples around the world. I believe any act of kindness can do the same. Being kind and caring about others is contagious. Being the one to spread love and care can make everyone’s world a better place.

This concludes our four-part series on mental health. I’d only add that the ability to observe oneself and make an objective analysis is a final component of mental health. When we can observe ourselves objectively, and see how we could do better, then we can also continue to improve and grow.

Let’s face it, if we want to be happy in life, it’s worth the effort to strive for good mental health. Knowing the components can help guide us to achieving that goal.

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