What Community Means to Me – A Reflection for Mental Health Awareness Week
by Laura Walsh, Public Health Practitioner Degree Apprentice, Public Health South Tees
In 2025, the Mental Health Foundation has chosen ‘Community’ as the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week — and I couldn’t think of a more meaningful focus. For me, community is not just about the people I know or the places I belong to; it’s about the feeling of connection, understanding, and support that helps me navigate life’s ups and downs. Community is about knowing that no matter how tough things get, I am not alone.
When I think about the role that community plays in my mental health and wellbeing, I’m reminded of how deeply human it is to seek connection. We all want to feel seen, heard, and valued. True community provides that sense of belonging and reassurance that there is someone to lean on — someone who understands, someone who listens, and someone who cares. It’s not always about grand gestures or lifelong relationships — sometimes it’s the small, everyday moments of connection that matter most.
The Essence of Community
Community, at its core, is about relationships and shared experiences. It’s not just about the physical places where we gather — it’s about the emotional bonds that are created when we feel part of something bigger than ourselves.
For me, community means:
· Feeling supported when I’m struggling.
· Laughing with friends and family after a long day.
· Knowing that someone will check in when they sense I’m not okay.
· Feeling valued and respected for who I am — not just what I can offer.
Community is present in so many forms — family, friends, work colleagues, sports teams, faith groups, and even the casual conversations with neighbours. These layers of connection create a safety net that helps me feel anchored when life becomes overwhelming.
How Community Has Impacted My Mental Health
There have been times in my life when my mental health was fragile. During those moments, my sense of community — or lack of it — had a profound effect on how I coped.
· Feeling Less Alone During Tough Times
I remember a period when I was struggling with anxiety. It felt like a constant weight on my chest, making even simple tasks feel impossible. What helped me the most wasn’t advice or solutions — it was the quiet presence of my closest friends who didn’t try to fix me but simply sat with me and listened. Their acceptance and understanding made me feel less alone. That’s the beauty of community: you don’t always need someone to solve your problems — you just need someone to sit beside you and say, “I’m here.”
· Building Resilience Through Connection
Community has also helped me build resilience. Life is full of setbacks but knowing that I have people who believe in me gives me the courage to keep going. When I’ve faced professional failures or personal losses, it’s been my friends and family who reminded me of my worth. Feeling supported helps me bounce back more quickly because I know that even if I stumble, I have a network that will help me get back on my feet. That sense of security makes it easier to take risks and face challenges head-on.
· Finding Purpose Through Community
Being part of a community isn’t just about receiving support — it’s also about giving it. Volunteering, supporting friends through difficult times, or simply being a listening ear gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment. Helping others has become one of the most effective ways for me to improve my own mental health. Community reminds me that I matter — not just for what I do, but for who I am. Feeling valued and needed strengthens my sense of self-worth and helps me feel more connected to the world around me.
“But what I’ve learned is that building a strong sense of community requires effort and vulnerability. Sometimes you have to take the first step — send that text, make that call, or attend that event — even when it feels hard”
The Challenges of Building and Maintaining Community
While community has been a source of strength for me, I also understand that building and maintaining connections isn’t always easy. Life gets busy, people move away, and sometimes it’s hard to find the energy to reach out. Social anxiety, fear of rejection, or simply feeling like you don’t belong can create barriers to connection.
There have been times when I’ve felt disconnected from my community — times when I withdrew because I didn’t feel like I had the energy to engage. But what I’ve learned is that building a strong sense of community requires effort and vulnerability. Sometimes you have to take the first step — send that text, make that call, or attend that event — even when it feels hard. I’ve also learned that not every community will feel like the right fit — and that’s okay. It’s about finding those spaces and people where you feel truly accepted. Community isn’t about fitting into a mould — it’s about finding the people who love you as you are.
How I’ve Built My Sense of Community
Over the years, I’ve learned that community doesn’t just happen — it’s something that needs to be cultivated with care and intention.
Here are some of the ways I’ve strengthened my sense of connection:
· Prioritising quality over quantity – I’ve learned that having a few meaningful relationships is more valuable than having a large social circle. Investing time and energy into the relationships that matter most has helped me feel more connected.
· Joining local groups – Whether it’s a fitness class, a creative workshop, or a volunteer group, shared activities create natural opportunities to form connections.
· Being open and vulnerable – Building real connection requires honesty. I’ve learned to open up about my struggles, which has allowed others to do the same — creating deeper bonds.
Offering help and support – Being there for others — whether it’s offering a listening ear or practical help — has strengthened my sense of belonging and purpose.
Why Community Matters for Mental Health
The impact of community on mental health is profound. Studies have shown that people with strong social connections have lower levels of depression and anxiety, better stress management, and even improved physical health outcomes. Community acts as a buffer against life’s challenges — offering both emotional and practical support when it’s needed most.
Community gives us:
· A sense of belonging – Knowing that we have a place where we are accepted and valued.
· Emotional safety – Feeling comfortable enough to express ourselves without fear of judgment.
· Shared purpose – Finding meaning in contributing to something larger than ourselves.
· Resilience – Facing challenges more effectively with the support of others.
· Looking Forward - Strengthening Our Communities
As we reflect on the theme of ‘Community’ for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, I’m reminded that building and maintaining community is an ongoing process. It requires patience, vulnerability, and intentional effort. But the rewards — emotional support, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging — are worth it.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, I encourage you to reflect on your own sense of community. Are there relationships you’d like to strengthen? Are there new connections you’d like to build? Reaching out can feel daunting, but the rewards are immense.
We are not meant to go through life alone. By building strong, supportive communities, we not only improve our own mental health but create a ripple effect that strengthens the wellbeing of those around us. Community is not just about finding people — it’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued, supported, and seen.
Let’s work together to build communities where everyone feels like they belong — because together, we are stronger.
