Community: Why Does It Matter?

When we talk about mental health, we often talk about what we can each do individually. How do we notice when we are struggling? How do we reach out for help? 

These are all important questions; however, as we are one Jamat with a unique sense of community, another key question is - what role does our community play in mental health? 

You might be surprised to learn that community is actually one of the most important factors in promoting good mental health. 

This World Mental Health Day, we will explore: Why is community so important when it comes to mental health? 

On one hand, there can be challenges related to community - such as stigma and isolation. These can be a risk factor for poor mental health. For example, if someone is feeling excluded from their community because of their background, their language, or their mental illness, this can cause them to feel stressed and worsen their mental health.  

That being said, community can be a place to turn to for support. Our community has so many strengths that make us unique – such as caring people, helpful resources, and educated experts. For many of us, community is where we go when we are feeling sad or stressed. We might go to Jamatkhana, take part in seva, go for coffee with an Ismaili friend, talk to our Mukhi / Kamadias, or call the ACCESS line.

Connecting with community can actually decrease anxiety, loneliness, and depression.

As one Jamat, let us keep in mind that we all have a responsibility to make this community a safe and welcoming space for one another. 

Here are a few tangible steps you can take to help create a community that supports mental health: 

• Follow these Five to Thrive tips on Connecting with Community and take the Community Connection Challenge. For example, meet a new person every time you go to Jamatkhana.  
• Give a warm welcome to new volunteers and Jamati members who want to do seva and help them feel included.
• If you hear others expressing views that make this community less inclusive, consider speaking up to share a different perspective. 
  • One simple tip is to ask the person who made the comment: “What do you mean by that?" This might encourage them to reflect on what they said and how it might have been received.  
• Show that you are open to talking about mental health by sharing your own stories with others.  
  • Keep in mind that you don’t need to go into all the details of your mental health struggles – this might be tough for some people to hear.  
  • You can also be open about how you are seeking help and share ideas for how to find support. 
• Using the right language around mental health helps reduce stigma. For example, reconsider how you are using words like “crazy” and “insane” as those can perpetuate stigma. Check out the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Language Matters resource for more tips. 
• If you notice someone who seems to be struggling with their mental health, use the 5 Golden Rules to start a conversation. You can even practice online scenarios by earning your Be There Certificate. 

If you or someone you know is looking for help, consider reaching out to your health provider and/or contacting a helpline:

• Wellness Together by texting WELLNESS to 741741
• Health Navigation Service for help in navigating the health system by calling the ACCESS Line at 1-888-536-3599