Volunteering & Mental Health: How Helping Others Helps You Too

Volunteering is often framed as an act of kindness toward others. But it’s also a powerful form of self-care.

Engaging in acts of service can:

• Reduce feelings of isolation

• Increase a sense of purpose

• Improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression

• Lower stress levels

In fact, studies show that people who volunteer regularly often report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being.

Why It Works: Helping others activates reward centers in the brain, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. It can also shift focus away from personal problems, build social connections, and reinforce a sense of identity and agency.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Join local clean-up days

• Help distribute food or clothing

• Offer skills like tutoring, translation, or transportation

• Check in on neighbors or elders

• Participate in community mental health initiatives

Even small contributions count. The ripple effect of compassion benefits everyone involved.