People generally think of physical health and well-being when thinking about being healthy. However, our quality of life is greatly influenced by our mental health, which also needs to be maintained. An essential part of maintaining mental health is having a sense of community. Humans are social beings and not meant to live in isolation. Community involvement provides social connections and a sense of belonging we need to thrive. Being part of something larger helps give meaning and purpose to everyday life.
Rose Hill Center provides comprehensive adult mental health treatment. With 30 years of experience, we are proudly recognized as one of the nation’s top long-term residential mental health facilities. We know the value of being part of a supportive community for mental health. Contact us at 866.367.0220 to learn more about our Holly, Michigan, community support services.
How Does Community Support Actually Work for Mental Health?
A community has both a physical and an emotional component. Physically, a community is a shared environment or group of people that share similar traits, interests, experiences, or beliefs. Emotionally, it describes a sense of fellowship or connectedness with others. Ultimately, community involves feeling a connection with others, giving and receiving support, and feeling accepted for who you are.
The importance of community support for mental health cannot be understated, especially for individuals with mental health disorders who are already at higher risk for loneliness and isolation. The impacts of community support on mental health are far-reaching, but the main benefits include providing individuals with:
- Belonging – Having a sense of acceptance and identity within a group is as essential a human need as food and water. A true sense of belonging involves being able to act authentically and have others accept and appreciate your uniqueness. Belonging encourages you to be yourself and connect with others who are similar.
- Security – Feeling safe and secure is another basic human need for well-being. The sense of security gained from community support provides individuals with confidence when entering new situations or meeting new people by presenting the opportunity to learn to trust and depend on others.
- Purpose – Being a community member allows individuals to feel part of something larger than themselves. People fill different roles within their communities, providing a sense of purpose. Having an understanding of purpose influences behavior, helps determine goals, gives individuals a sense of direction, and motivates them to confront challenges healthily.
- Support – A quality support system reduces anxiety and depression, increases coping skills, supports stronger immunity and increases life span. Knowing people who care will help you in times of need makes managing challenges easier, lets you know you’re not alone and promotes a positive outlook.
Not all community support and connections are the same, and the quality of relationships and associations plays a critical role in how the community supports mental health.
The Benefits of Community Support for Mental Health
Often, a contributing factor to the need for residential mental health treatment is the lack of a healthy community support network. One of the many benefits of residential treatment for mental health is that it offers built-in community support. Individuals ready to leave residential treatment who do not have a strong support network in their home community are at higher risk for relapse.
At Rose Hill Center, we recognize the challenges and fears of reintegrating into independent living after residential treatment. Our community support services can help with the process in numerous ways, including fostering new community connections outside the treatment environment.
Through our community support program, individuals have access to a range of services, including:
- 24-hour mental health support
- Medication management
- Education about mental health
- Support and advice
- Counseling and psychiatric services
- In-home visits
- Treatment planning
- Support for daily living skills
- Building ties within your community
Benefiting from Community Support for Mental Health at Rose Hill Center
At Rose Hill Center, we know the power of community support for maintaining mental health. If you or a loved one are 18 or older and need mental health treatment, contact us online or call 866.367.0220 to learn more about our programs and how Rose Hill Center can help with your recovery.
