As discussed in previous articles, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a meaningful contribution to their community.
Feeling accepted and part of a group or a team is a fundamental human need that is core to mental wellbeing. Who we are is often a reflection of who loves us and accepts us.
What is a sense of belonging?
Do you feel accepted and included in your family, community or workplace?
Do you feel supported and cared for?
Do you feel understood by those around you?
Do you feel connected to others?
Is your presence appreciated and honoured?
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Are your contributions acknowledged and valued?
Do you feel safe among your family members or your work colleagues?
What is the impact of having a sense of belonging on mental wellbeing?
Feeling accepted and valued by others will build our self-esteem and self-worth. When we feel loved, we feel as if we matter to someone and our thoughts and opinions matter too.
Being part of a community helps to give purpose and meaning to our lives and reduces risks of hopelessness and despair.
We will often do whatever we can to make life better for those we love and care for and this gives is meaning beyond ourselves.
Being socially connected in a meaningful way can greatly reduce anxiety and stress, knowing that someone ‘has my back’ in life can help give me courage to face the difficult challenges I may be facing.
A sense of belonging can help build our resilience and helps us cope better with life difficulties.
Belonging to our family or community gives us opportunities to give and receive love and care and build social support, endless chances to love and be loved.
How can we build a sense of belonging in our families and communities?
- Be deliberate about building and rebuilding relationships. People will always be more important in our lives than things or tasks.
We are living in a digitally overconnected but sadly emotionally disconnected world and it takes deliberate action to fight for our relationships and stay connected with each other.
- Training social skills and the importance of social connection to young people in schools in order to instil the value of people and relationship to the next generation and address the increasing challenges with individualism and social isolation.
- Build and rebuild a culture of mutual support and care in our neighbourhoods and communities.
- Building psychologically safe families and communities where we all can feel we matter, we are part of a greater whole and we belong.
If you think that you or someone that you know may be experiencing a mental health problem, please contact your nearest health care provider and get help.
*Dr Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse is a consultant psychiatrist. Feedback: +263777727332. This article reflects her own personal views and opinions
