Why Belonging Matters: Community’s Impact on Mental Health

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“Uy, Pinoy!!!” 

“Uy, Philippines!!!”

“Kabayaaan~!”

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We Filipinos are known for our strong sense of community everywhere we go. Every Filipino is familiar with the Bayanihan spirit, which symbolizes our helpful and cooperative character. The name derives from the word "bayan," which signifies community, nation, or town. 

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This practice of helping others in the community began with our ancestors moving their houses from one place to another by lifting them and carrying them. In modern times, we can recognize this practice as community-led crisis response initiatives, which include donation drives and community projects like barangay clean-ups and volunteer work in orphanages. Bayanihan inspires us to help out without expecting anything in return.

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The sense of community that we get from our loved ones, such as family and friends, as well as in our jobs and leisure pursuits (e.g., paddling team, volleyball team, religious groups), can make us feel good and improve our mental health. 

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Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs even lists Love and Belonging as needs people have before moving on to the next, more complex need. When we talk about love and belonging, we are referring to humans' social needs, which also involve acceptance.

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Why is having a community important for my mental health?

These social needs help us feel a sense of belongingness, acceptance, and love, which is a normal need that we all have. It also helps us avoid anxiety, loneliness, and depression. The connections we form with our personal relationships, such as our family, significant others, and friends, as well as our community groups, such as sports teams, online gaming friends, or book clubs are essential to meeting this need.

‍1. Acceptance and Belonging. Anyone can feel lonely when they feel alone and out of place. Being able to feel like you fit in your relationships and community groups helps you feel like you are accepted and loved for who you are. Remember that belonging is not the same as conforming, as the former allows you to express and be your genuine self, while the latter requires changing something about yourself to fit in with a group.

‍2. Support and Encouragement.  Whether we encounter a positive or negative event in life, we always have someone or a group of people we can turn to for support and guidance. Having people have your back in both good and bad times helps you feel cared for and safe. These people also help us look at our experiences and challenges differently.

‍3. Purpose. We often have a role in the groups that we have. Whether you are the person who’s in charge of planning the itinerary for your travels or  someone who others call to whenever they feel sad—whatever it is, these simple acts help us feel good and have a sense of purpose. 

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How do I find a community?

Connecting with like-minded people can be challenging, especially if you tend to be shy in reaching out to others, but it is possible. First, start with self-reflection to identify what things are important for you, and consider the following: 

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‍> What do I like to do?

Consider your hobbies and interests. Joining reading clubs or sports teams will allow you to connect with people.

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> What do I think is important?

Consider your values. Volunteering can help you connect with people who share your values.

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> What do I believe in?

Connect to your beliefs: Expand your community by participating in spiritual practices, religions, or political causes.

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Finding your community is a very personal process. What counts most is finding people who inspire, lift, and help you become the best version of yourself. Having "our people"—a community of people we trust and who back us—can make all the difference in how we deal with problems, reach our goals, and feel good about ourselves. Last but not least, a strong and meaningful community is not just a source of connection but also a key component of excellent mental health and well-being.

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References:

- Cherry, K. (2024, April 2). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Verywell Mind. Retrieved November 22, 2024, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-4136760 

- Gilbert, S. (2019, November 19). The Importance of Community and Mental Health. National Alliance on Mental Illness. 

- Truong, J. (2024, June 12). Filipino Culture. MakeYourAsia. https://makeyourasia.com/philippines/filipino-culture.html#:~:text=Bayanihan:%20The%20Spirit%20of%20Filipino,is%20passed%20down%20through%20generations.