By Doris Omdahl, LMHC, RPT-S
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Registered Play Therapist
Volunteering is an activity performed by choice, to help others, without being financially rewarded. Volunteering is a form of social participation that enables people to make new friends, learn new skills, gain confidence and self-respect, and develop personal satisfaction.
Volunteering becomes particularly important after we experience a traumatic event in our life, such as the
loss of a loved one, a separation, a divorce, or a major move. During these difficult times, we have a natural tendency to isolate ourselves, to withdraw, to lose contact with the outside world. We might become consumed with negative thoughts that fill our minds, and we might become so depressed that sometimes we lose contact with reality. The loneliness we experience in these circumstances makes us feel disconnected, isolated and separated from the world, in a way that it makes us question our value, and our purpose. We might become so focused on our own pain, that we develop a new reality where there is no room to socialize, communicate or even heal from the pain.
By shifting the focus away from ourselves to others, volunteering improves the well being of the person and might give new meaning to life. During the process of volunteering, not only may we learn new skills, but also as we connect with others and help them in some way, we regain or develop a new sense of satisfaction. This in turn will positively affect our thoughts, emotions and behavior. We start believing more in ourselves, we trust that we can make a difference, and our self-esteem, self-confidence, coping skills and resources start improving as well. The physical and psychological sensation of “feeling good” might also reduce the stress of daily living.
Volunteering can also help develop leadership skills. It might improve communication skills, organizational skills, time management skills, and managerial skills. While volunteering, we acquire new skills and experience that might ultimately help us with paid employment. Other benefits of volunteering include obtaining knowledge of work environments, exploring careers, and determining if the interest is temporary or long lasting.
Volunteering can improve our mental health, by giving direction and meaning to our life, expanding our social network, developing our interpersonal skills and sometimes gaining access to employment. People might volunteer for different reasons; but independently of the reason, the effects are always positive: it gives the person a sense of purpose and achievement, it is rewarding, it is self validating, and it allows the opportunity to learn new skills. Volunteering promotes positive mental health, especially after a period of difficulty in life.