Mental Health Awareness ● Sensibilisation à la santé mentale 35 Image by www.freepik.com Tips to building a sense of belonging Feeling a sense of belonging in a community can have a positive impact on your mental health, but it can be hard to know how to build one. Here are a few tips: Focus on what you have in common: Some people do well with having a smaller and tight-knit support group, while others thrive when connected to larger groups, like online or in religious or spiritual communities. It’s easier to relate to those around you when you have similarities. Express your needs: Don’t be afraid to let someone know you’re struggling. Tell people what you need—they may be able to offer better help when they know what you need. Contribute: It’s important to take care of the important relationships you already have. Offer support to others in your life, whether that’s chatting with your neighbours or remembering someone’s birthday. Meet new people: Try to make opportunities to meet new people. Join social activities, take an inperson course, or volunteer in your community.You can also ask friends to introduce you to other people. Give it time: Relationships take time.You might not be friends with everyone you meet, and when you do make a new friend, it will take time to strengthen your relationship.Think of belonging as a process, not a one-time event.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==