Shared Stories & Stronger Minds: How Community Heals Mental Health

Clinical Contributor to this blog:

Dr. Jessica Yao, MD
Chief Medical Officer

“Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community.” This is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Month, May 2026.

Everyone experiences mental health challenges at some point in their lives. Some people may need a little help, and others need more intense or ongoing support. Taking care of our mental health has a big impact on our quality of life, how we feel, and how we function. Mental health affects our physical health, too. The two are closely connected. This month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) encourages people to share their mental health stories and find ways to build or join communities as a source of healing.

Break the Silence

One way to help reduce the shame and guilt people may feel about asking for mental health support is to be open about the struggles we are facing. By sharing our stories, we can begin to normalize conversations about our mental health. Sharing our stories helps to build community, whether in person, online, or on the phone. These connections remind us that we are not alone. They can also help us manage stress and support healthy daily habits.

A Sense of Belonging

A community is a group of people with shared values, culture, goals, or interests. Community means being part of something bigger than ourselves. It can inspire us, empower us, support us, and help us take better care of our mental and physical health. Community provides a sense of belonging and purpose. Strong social connections can improve mood, lower stress, and build strength over time. Communities often offer chances to learn, move, help others, and feel connected. Opportunities and resources may also appear in communities.

Building Your Community

How can you become part of a community? You can start by looking for groups and activities that support connection and well-being:

Three smiling women stand outdoors next to a small, stocked community first health plans food pantry with a red brick building in the background.

Volunteer

Spend time helping others, which can take the focus off yourself, increase purpose, and reduce stress.

Workshops/Classes

Learning something new can keep your mind active and focused.

A woman demonstrates cooking outdoors under a green tent labeled "Marketplace" while an audience, mostly older women, watches seated nearby.

A group of diverse adults exercises outdoors on a sunny day with their arms raised, led by an instructor near a green canopy tent.

Hobbies

Join or start a group that reads, hikes, or gardens, for example, as a shared interest.

Local events, shows, or festivals

Many local events are free and bring people together to celebrate local culture or special interests.

Two smiling staff members in matching shirts offer promotional items to an older woman at a Community First Health Plans information booth decorated with colorful papel picado banners.

A group of adults plays volleyball on a sandy court enclosed by metal fencing under an overcast sky with power lines visible above the surrounding trees.

Physical activity

Moving your body supports both mental and physical health. No matter your fitness level, you can get active. Look for an exercise class, join a gym, or start going around the block and greeting the neighbors you see.

Faith-based

Many people find comfort in worshipping together, and most faith-based groups host other events, volunteer opportunities, and more.

Close-up of multiple glowing tealight candles burning in darkness with shallow depth of field.

You are not alone. Small steps matter. Showing up, checking in, and sharing honestly can improve mental health over time Being an active part of a community helps remind us that support is available.

If you are thinking of hurting yourself or someone else, or if you need to talk to someone now, don’t wait, call 988.

For more mental health tips, read these blog posts about:

Getting help when you need it, here.
Setting small, meaningful goals, here.
The importance of being mindful, here.
How physical activity can make you feel better, here.
How connecting with others activates happy brain chemicals, here.
How social media affects young minds, here.

Everyone’s mental health journey looks different, but adding healthy habits to your day, like open conversations about mental health challenges and participating in a community, can help you feel better.

From April 1 to June 30, Community First Members can earn a FREE Mind in Motion Pickleball Set by participating in our Healthier You! Mental Fitness Member Activity and sharing how you care for your mental health.

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