Community and Mental Health

Community plays a crucial role in our mental health. Which is why the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is: “community”. So here, Si unpacks what that really means, why community is so important for our minds, and a couple of ideas on how you could find that community.

You can watch the video below (or click here to watch on our YouTube channel). Or you can read along below!

We need each other. Community has a super important role to play when it comes to our mental health.

(Funnily enough, I keep on thinking of the TV show Community, and how I’d watch that for some good laughs when I’ve been in low points. But that’s not what I’m on about today.)

Feeling a sense of community is what’s known as a protective factor. Or something that helps keep us in a state of mental healthi..ness. And I think that’s why our friends at the Mental Health Foundation have given this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week the theme of Community.

So I wanted to explore that today. How can you build a sense of community, and why is it important for your mental health?

We’re wired for connection

Whether you’re an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in between, one thing is true for all of us: humans are social creatures. We evolved in groups, and tribes. Not as lone wolves. And while the modern world gives us more independence than ever before, our brains are still wired to crave connection.

There was an old study back in the 90s that gave us something called the “belongingness hypothesis” — the idea that we have a fundamental need to feel like we belong. And it drives a lot of our behaviours. Which kind of makes sense.

To our caveman brains, knowing that you’ve got the safety of a group helps you feel protected from threats. So when we feel accepted, seen, and understood by others, it can have a huge impact on our mental health. And interestingly, it seems to work the other way too. If we feel disconnected, it can have a negative effect on our mental health.

So if you’ve ever felt isolated, like no one really gets you, or that you have to deal with stuff on your own — you’re not alone in that. But that disconnection can take a toll.

Physical vs mental health reactions

You know when you have a physical illness like a cold, you don’t want to go out and interact with others cuz you don’t want to make them sick. And a) that’s just a nice thing to do. But also b) it’s our caveman brains trying to look out for the good of the whole tribe.

But interestingly enough. Our brains respond the same sort of way when we experience mental ill health too. It’s partly why when you feel depressed, you’re way more likely to isolate yourself away from others. But in reality, being connected with others, and feeling that sense of belonging and community, is what our brains NEED.

So I guess my challenge to you is: push yourself. Reach out. Spend time with the people you love and who love you. And do your best to ignore that inner monologue that’s trying to convince you that everyone hates you.

Full disclosure. I’m still working on that myself.

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Community helps you feel less alone

Ok, so speaking of that inner monologue. One of the biggest lies your brain can tell you when you’re struggling is: “No one else feels like this.” But the power of community — whether that’s your mates, a support group, a book club, or even a Discord server — is that it shows you that you’re not the only one.

Someone else has been through it. Or is going through it. And even if your experiences aren’t identical, you’re seen and supported. I think that’s why the almost.. cliche of “you’re not alone” is so common.

Heads Above The Waves is kinda based on this idea. We’ve shared our experiences, and a bunch of other folks have shared theirs too – as a reminder that whatever you’re going through, it is possible to find ways to get through it.

And if you’re still looking for your people? You’ll find them. Whether it’s the skate park, a festival crowd, the comment section, or the Heads shop — connection can happen in the most unexpected places.

I think the secret is: being confident enough to make the first move.

Community gives you a reason to keep going

When things feel heavy, knowing that someone actually cares about you can be the thing that keeps you afloat. And what’s wild is: showing up for someone else can be part of your own healing too.

That’s the thing — community isn’t just about receiving support. It’s also about giving it. Checking in with a friend, asking the potentially awkward-but-important questions like “how are you really doing?”, or even just sending a meme that says “I saw this and thought of you” — it all counts.

In fact, studies show that acts of kindness and pro-social behaviour (basically, doing good things for others) are linked to reduced levels of anxiety and depression. So if you’re struggling, sometimes the first step isn’t just looking inward — it’s reaching out too.

Shout out to Mental Health Foundation for this piece on altruism.

So what does community actually look like?

Let’s be real: “community” isn’t always some huge group of people singing Kumbaya around a campfire.

It might just be one person you trust. Or a space — online or IRL — where you feel safe to show up as your whole self.

It could be:

• The mate who replies to your way too long voice notes

• The online group chat where everyone’s got the same super niche

• Your bandmates, book club, D&D crew, or running group

• That one teacher who gets it

Community isn’t about the size of your circle. It’s about the strength of those connections. It’s about feeling like you belong somewhere. Like you matter.

A final thought:

Good community won’t fix everything. But it can make the hard days feel a bit less heavy. It can give you perspective when your brain’s feeding you lies. And it can be the thing that reminds you: it IS possible to get through this.

So this Mental Health Awareness Week, ask yourself:

Where do I feel most like myself?

Who are the people I can turn to?

How can I be that safe space for someone else?

If the answers aren’t clear right now — that’s ok. You’re not too late. You will find your people. And in the meantime, know that you’re always so welcome to come hang out in our shop, and know that whoever you are, you’re welcome and you belong.

If you enjoyed this

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