How community supports mental health (even when you’re struggling)

How feeling connected to our local community can play a significant role in our mental health.

Mental health copywriter

Clinically reviewed by: Charlie Carroll

CBT Therapist at Priory Hospital Altrincham in Manchester

Feeling connected to others can form a fundamental part of positive wellbeing, however, our fast-paced, digitally orientated world can often leave this need unmet. Engaging with community can play a powerful role in our daily wellbeing, offering support, understanding and a sense of belonging that can help us feel less alone.

This article explores why community matters for your mental health, how to build confidence when socialising feels hard, and the different ways you can feel more connected.

Why community matters for your mental health

Community doesn’t just mean what’s going on in your local area. It can also be about shared interests with other people, identity, experiences or values.

Some people find a sense of community in religious groups, neighbourhood events or local clubs. For others, it might be through a social media group or an online forum based on your favourite hobby. Face-to-face communities and those online can both be powerful, but enjoying a mix of the two can bring maximum benefits.

Whatever form it takes, being part of a community can offer real mental health benefits. It can help you:

Feel less lonely and more connected
Gain emotional support and understanding
Develop a stronger sense of identity and belonging
Increase your confidence and motivation

These positive effects aren’t just emotional — there’s evidence that feeling socially connected can reduce your risk of mental illnesses like depression.

Humans are social beings. Having tight knit friendships, a sense of purpose in the community, and support networks around us help us to cope better with difficult life events and can act as a protective buffer during challenging times.

People from all walks of life can benefit from a sense of community, especially when we’re more vulnerable to isolation. Those living alone, carers, new parents, people from marginalised groups, or anyone with a long-term mental or physical health condition can all reduce their risk of loneliness by getting invested in a community they believe in.

How to feel less lonely in your community

Feeling lonely is more common than many people realise, with the UK government stating that 47% of adults experience some degree of loneliness. And when you’re already feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed, reaching out can feel especially hard.

It’s OK to start small. You don’t have to join a group or attend an event right away. Even simple acts like saying hello to your neighbour, chatting to someone at the till or joining a local WhatsApp or Facebook group can help you feel more connected.

You might also want to look into local events or activities that feel manageable — things like community gardening projects, library events, repair cafés or volunteering. Many of these are free or low-cost and don’t require a big commitment.

It can also help to rethink what ‘community’ means. It doesn’t need to be a large social circle. People can often describe themselves as lonely even if they have access to community groups and a social life. What matters is the strength of the connection, and engaging in your community in a way that you find fulfilling.

Sometimes, a single positive interaction or regular contact with one person can make a big difference.

Building social confidence when mental health feels hard

If your mood has been low, socialising might feel like too much. Anxiety, low mood, exhaustion and self-doubt are all common barriers that can make connection feel difficult.

Know that it’s OK to go at your own pace. You don’t have to dive into busy events or big commitments. Small, achievable steps might include:

Sending a message to a friend
Attending an event where you don’t need to join in (like a market, talk or exhibition)
Going somewhere with a friend or family member
Sitting in a café or public space for a change of scenery

Social confidence takes time to build, so be kind to yourself if you’re not feeling up to it and be proud of yourself when you do make a step in the right direction. If negative self-talk creeps in, strategies for better self-esteem, like trying to challenge your thoughts, can make all the difference.

Online communities that support your mental health

Not everyone can (or wants to) connect in person. If you’re dealing with health issues, time constraints or live in a rural area, online communities can connect you with people and support networks beyond your local area.

You might find support in:

Mental health forums like HealthUnlocked or SANE
Hobby groups on Reddit or Discord
Facebook groups based on shared experiences
Peer support platforms like Togetherall

Some online communities can bring the same raft of benefits as in-person socialising, though each space has its own atmosphere and strengths. A supportive community is:

Respectful and non-judgemental
Moderated or self-governed in a healthy way
Inclusive and welcoming
Safe to be yourself in

If a space leaves you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or ‘less than’, it’s OK to take a step back. You can mute, unfollow or leave entirely. Set boundaries around when and how long you engage. Choose spaces that make you feel heard, not drained.

Support if you’re feeling isolated

If loneliness is starting to affect your mood or daily life, it’s important that you ask for help. You don’t have to manage these feelings on your own.

People who feel lonely don’t feel seen, heard or understood. As a reaction, they disconnect from others and disconnect from how they feel, and end up feeling even more lonely. It’s about understanding why did you disconnect from how you felt, and from other people.

Part of finding that connection again might understanding why it happened in the first place.

Charlie Carroll, Therapist at Priory Hospital Altrincham, on overcoming loneliness

There are many UK-based mental health organisations you can turn to, including:

Hub of Hope – an online directory of thousands of mental health services
Mind – for information, helplines and local services
Samaritans – available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to
Shout – a free text service for supprt in a crisis (text SHOUT to 85258)
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – supports people struggling with low mood, loneliness or suicidal thoughts
NHS Every Mind Matters – tools and advice for mental wellbeing

If you’ve been feeling low for a while or you’re struggling to cope, it may also help to speak to your GP for some professional advice on what support might be available to you. You could also try other loneliness-busting strategies like thought journals or focusing on things you enjoy.

You could also get in touch with Priory, a private provider of mental health services. We can speak to our compassionate team about the struggles you’ve been having in your life, and how our nationwide mental health services could help you.