The Importance of Community in Adulthood

As we are going into the New Year we are also entering a new part of the winter season. Cold weather often leads to increased feelings of isolation, contributing to the prevalence of seasonal depression and loneliness. A common theme I notice in sessions with clients is loneliness, along with a desire to feel more connected and expand their social circles.

So why is finding community and connection actually so important and why do people crave it? In this blog post you will find three main reasons as to why community and connection are vital for mental health. 

A Sense of Belonging: 

Being a part of a community gives you a sense of belonging. It lets you feel like there is a place for you to land, a place where you are accepted and can perhaps even see parts of yourself in other people in the community. There is something very isolating about thinking you are the only one experiencing something. Being part of a community comes with finding people who can relate to you and validate your experiences. 

It Reduces Anxiety and Depression: 

According to the APA (America Psychological Association) “A review of 38 studies found that adult friendships, especially high-quality ones that provide social support and companionship, significantly predict well-being and can protect against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety”. Across all of these studies, researchers found that friendships and community contributed to lower stress levels. Research shows that people who are a part of a strong community “tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk of obesity”. Community can be good for your mental and physical health.  

Support: 

A community allows you to feel supported. When you have a community to count on there are people who you feel like you can turn to when you need something. It can lift an incredible weight off your shoulders knowing that there are people who you can talk to and who can help you through difficult times. It can also be equally as important to have support to share in your celebrations! To know you have support is to know you are not alone. 

In adulthood there is no “one timeline” (even though it can sometimes feel otherwise), we are all navigating our personal lives and careers at different paces and in different ways. It can feel really lonely as you are navigating these stages of life and it can feel difficult to connect with people you once relied on if they are in a different stage than you. Whether it’s friendships, dating, career or more, we all need people to connect with and feel supported by. 

If you are a woman in your late 20s or early 30s, Group Therapy For Women could be a great fit for you to find your community. This group is for single women who are looking for others who can relate to their experiences. Beginning in February, this 8 week group will focus on building a supportive community where self-identifying single women can connect, share experiences and feel understood. Our mission is to foster meaningful relationships, encourage self-growth and provide tools to navigate this phase of life with confidence and empowerment. 

If you are struggling with loneliness and are craving connection, please do not hesitate to reach out and schedule a free 15-minute consult call with one of our therapists to see how we can help!