In the last blog we discussed how making positive changes in your life can affect your mental health. I really do believe that a key to helping bring you out of depression, anger, and grief is taking that step to be a better person. We all have room to grow as a person, and help others on the way.
There was a study done that found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. The report shows that volunteers have greater longevity, higher
functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of
heart disease. Really!
The study finds that "Volunteer activities can strengthen the social ties that protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust." One of the biggest issues that we have when we are dealing with depression or grief is a low sense of self worth, and we often compound that by isolating ourselves.
You'll notice that I am loading this post with links to some great volunteer sites. Click on any of the pictures to be taken to that site. I am a member of many of them, and I will tell you first hand how much volunteering has helped me.
I started volunteering with Habitat a couple years ago through a program at my work. I can't tell you how great it was to get out and spend time working with all of those people... we were a part of the nationwide build that year and built 5 houses locally. Seeing the people volunteering with me, and the people who were getting the houses working right along side with us, really gave me hope that people still do care out there. It really made a difference in how I felt about myself, and honestly, society as a whole. Sometimes we get so blinded by the bad things around us, we forget that we have the power to make a difference. The cool thing is: we don't just make a difference in the lives of the people we help, we make a difference in our own lives.
It doesn't matter if your dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, or any other mental health issue. Volunteering is a good way to take that first step towards getting back to the person that you know you really are. And, even more importantly, it's the right thing to do!
There was a study done that found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. The report shows that volunteers have greater longevity, higher
functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of
heart disease. Really!The study finds that "Volunteer activities can strengthen the social ties that protect individuals from isolation during difficult times, while the experience of helping others leads to a sense of greater self-worth and trust." One of the biggest issues that we have when we are dealing with depression or grief is a low sense of self worth, and we often compound that by isolating ourselves.
You'll notice that I am loading this post with links to some great volunteer sites. Click on any of the pictures to be taken to that site. I am a member of many of them, and I will tell you first hand how much volunteering has helped me. I started volunteering with Habitat a couple years ago through a program at my work. I can't tell you how great it was to get out and spend time working with all of those people... we were a part of the nationwide build that year and built 5 houses locally. Seeing the people volunteering with me, and the people who were getting the houses working right along side with us, really gave me hope that people still do care out there. It really made a difference in how I felt about myself, and honestly, society as a whole. Sometimes we get so blinded by the bad things around us, we forget that we have the power to make a difference. The cool thing is: we don't just make a difference in the lives of the people we help, we make a difference in our own lives. It doesn't matter if your dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, anger, or any other mental health issue. Volunteering is a good way to take that first step towards getting back to the person that you know you really are. And, even more importantly, it's the right thing to do!
Posted by: Deann Marin on Monday, January 21, 2008
My niece & her husband have been involved with Habitat for many years. They have worked in Kyrgystan, Afghanastan, and a few other places. You are so right in saying that helping others helps you. Great blog.