October marks World Mental Health Month, and in Ireland, this year’s theme is Community. In a world that often feels increasingly fragmented and divisive, a sense of community can seem like a thing of the past, but it offers us a grounding force. It’s where we find connection, support, and a sense of belonging.
Whether in our personal lives or professional environments, community is the thread that weaves wellbeing into the fabric of everyday life. It’s not just about being surrounded by people—it’s about being seen, heard, and valued.
Why Community Matters for Mental Health
While individual resilience and self-care are important, supportive relationships and kinship help us grow these qualities. Research consistently shows that strong social connections are linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, and even longer life expectancy.
Healthy relationships provide us with:
- Emotional support during times of stress or uncertainty.
- Shared purpose, which fosters motivation and meaning.
- Opportunities for growth, through collaboration and learning.
- A buffer against isolation, which is one of the most significant risk factors for poor mental health.
Culturally and historically, Ireland is known for its storytelling and tight-knit community, but in modern Ireland where digital connection and hybrid work models are part of everyday life, our connect to people can feel eroded. Reclaiming and nurturing community is not just a cultural imperative; it’s a mental health one.
Our personal community
In our personal lives, community can take many forms: family, friends, neighbours, sports clubs, volunteer groups, or even online spaces. What matters is not the size or structure of the group, but the quality of the relationships within it.
When we engage with communities that reflect our values and interests, we experience a sense of belonging that is deeply protective for our mental health. These spaces become sanctuaries where we can share our joys and burdens, celebrate milestones, and navigate challenges together.
Importantly, community also teaches us empathy. By being part of something bigger than ourselves, we learn to listen, to care, and to show up for others.
Our professional community
In the workplace, community is often referred to as culture. But it’s more than just business values or team-building days—it’s the everyday lived experience of connection, inclusion, and psychological safety.
We spend a significant portion of our lives at work and when that environment fosters community, it can be a powerful source of wellbeing. When it doesn’t, it can contribute to burnout, disengagement, and mental distress.
Building community at work means:
- Creating spaces for genuine connection, not just transactional interactions.
- Encouraging vulnerability, where people can speak openly about challenges without fear of judgment.
- Recognising contributions, so individuals feel valued and seen.
- Supporting mental health proactively, through policies, resources, and leadership that prioritise wellbeing.
Leaders play a crucial role here. By modelling empathy, encouraging collaboration, and investing in people, they set the tone for a culture of care. But community-building is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re a new hire or a senior executive, you have the power to foster connection, through a kind word, a listening ear, or a shared moment of relatability or humour.
Connecting the personal and professional
The most resilient communities are those that recognise the whole person. We don’t leave our professional selves at the door when we come home, nor do we stop being people when we are at work. Mental health is holistic, and so too must be our approach to community.
Hybrid working models offer both challenges and opportunities in this regard. While remote work can reduce casual interactions, it also invites us to be more intentional about connection. Virtual coffee chats, wellbeing check-ins, and inclusive communication practices can help bridge the gap.
Similarly, organisations that support employees’ personal lives, through flexible schedules, family-friendly policies, and mental health resources are investing in community in its fullest sense.
Cultivating community
It is all well and good creating and acknowledging our need for community but putting it into practice is where we can flourish as human beings. Here are a few ways to cultivate community in your life:
- Reach out: Send a message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Connection starts with a simple hello.
- Participate: Join a local group, attend a community event, or volunteer your time. Engagement fosters belonging.
- Listen deeply: Whether at home or work, make space for others to share. Listening is one of the most powerful acts of care.
- Celebrate together: Mark achievements, birthdays, and milestones. Shared joy strengthens bonds.
- Advocate for inclusion: Ensure that your communities—especially professional ones—are welcoming to all, regardless of background or identity.
Mental health is not a solo journey. It’s shaped by the people around us, the environments we inhabit, and the connections we nurture that create communities that uplift, support, and empower. Whether in our homes, our workplaces, or our wider society, we all have a role to play in creating spaces where our wellbeing and mental health is being nourish and protected.
Thrive is the Institute's wellbeing hub that provides access to a range of wellbeing supports. For more advice or information, contact the team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.
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