Five Reasons Why Volunteering Can Be Great for Your Mental Health

Volunteering is often seen as a way of giving something back, but many people don’t realise that it can also be a great way to look after you too. Many studies have shown the benefits of volunteering and the impact it can have on our mental health, so if you struggle, or have done in the past, it could well be something to consider.

Volunteering is often recommended by professionals in the mental health space, whether it be for people struggling with depression or even those who have been through private drug treatment and are looking to get their lives back on track. It can be a great entry level for getting back to work, a key part of a healthy routine and just generally a great way to connect with other people.

So, if you’ve always thought about volunteering but have never taken the plunge, here are five reasons why you should, for your mental health if anything...

Volunteering Boosts Self-Esteem and Confidence

One of the biggest boosts to your mental health you’ll find is that volunteering can really lift self-esteem and confidence. As you contribute your skills, time and effort to help others, you get a real sense of purpose and sense of accomplishment from knowing that what you’re doing is making a difference.

Volunteering provides a tangible way to feel valued and achieve something meaningful in your life.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

For anyone going through mental health conditions, managing stress and anxiety is really important. Many find that volunteering can help ease their stresses as it becomes a distraction from everyday life, focusing on something outside of yourself.

By concentrating on helping others or actively taking part in something that is going to benefit others, you can not only forget about your troubles but also gain more perspective on them, often realising that they are more manageable than they may have seemed.

What you’ll also find is that the social connections that you can form through volunteering can have a big impact on loneliness and isolation, two big drivers of stress and anxiety. You’ll be part of a community which all has one common goal and it can almost act as a mini support group that can really aid anxieties and fears.

Improves Mood and Combats Depression

Volunteering is known to trigger the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, which can improve mood and create a natural sense of euphoria. This is often referred to as the "helper's high." Doing something positive for others promotes feelings of happiness and fulfilment, which can be especially beneficial for people dealing with depression or low mood.

Additionally, the social interaction that comes with volunteering is crucial for mental health. Volunteering often means working with others in a team or community setting, which can help combat the feelings of isolation that frequently accompany depression. By building connections and friendships through volunteer work, people can develop a stronger support network, which plays a key role in maintaining mental well-being.

Increases Sense of Purpose and Meaning

A common issue for people struggling with mental health challenges, particularly those facing depression or existential anxiety, is a lack of purpose or meaning in life. Volunteering provides a powerful antidote to this feeling, giving individuals a sense of direction and responsibility.

Contributing to a cause that resonates with you—whether it’s environmental conservation, helping the elderly, or supporting the homeless—can offer a profound sense of fulfilment. Having a reason to get out of bed in the morning, knowing that your efforts are valued and making a difference, can drastically improve your outlook on life. This sense of purpose is a key factor in long-term mental health improvement.

Builds Resilience and Coping Skills

Volunteering can also help build resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from difficulties and adapt to challenges. In volunteering roles, you may encounter situations that require problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional resilience. For example, working with vulnerable populations or in high-stress environments can push you to develop new coping strategies and emotional strengths.

As you successfully navigate these challenges, your sense of capability grows, and you become more adept at handling stress or adversity in other areas of life. This newfound resilience can improve your ability to manage future mental health challenges and cope with difficult situations.