How Building a Supportive Community Transformed My Mental Health

Fun Fact: Winnie the Pooh has been named the Ambassador of Friendship by the United Nations since 1997.

Right after having left my toxic relationship behind and embarking on my newfound journey of freedom, I felt incredibly alone. I had been isolated from my loved ones for so many years (five years without any contact to friends and family), that I had to rebuild those connections again. Anxiety and the stress of the trauma felt like a heavy blanket, wrapping around me and sometimes making it nearly impossible to breathe or move. The idea of reaching out for help seemed impossible. However, I discovered that a supportive community was not only the first and most important step but the key to improving my mental health and getting out of that dark place. In this post, I want to share how building a solid support network has changed my perspective and played a huge role in my healing process.

Understanding the Importance of Community

Imagine every giggle, shared secret, and coffee date not only fills your day with joy but also strengthens your heart and boosts your immune system. Scientifically speaking, strong friendships can reduce the production of cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, making you feel more relaxed and at peace.

And here’s another sparkly fact: studies have found that having close friendships can increase our lifespan and improve our happiness levels. Think of it as your daily dose of vitamins but in the form of coffee dates, group chats, and park walks.

Plus, friends are there to cheer you on during the ups and to pick you up during the downs, making life’s rollercoaster a ride worth taking. They're your personal cheerleaders, life coaches, and sometimes even dance partners at impromptu kitchen parties.

In my experience, my first feeling about opening up to friends and family was fear. Fear of being judged, fear of not being understood, fear of being dismissed, fear of not being accepted. However, nothing could have been further from the truth. Once I dared to tell them about what I had gone through and my current struggles, not only did a huge weight lift off my shoulders, but it was the beginning of a much deeper bond which ultimately also healed me.

Having like-minded individuals around creates a supportive environment filled with empathy. This shared understanding fosters a sense of belonging that is vital, especially during difficult times.

My First Steps to Building a Tribe

Like I mentioned, at first I was quite fearful. The thought of putting myself out there was intimidating. But I decided to take a leap of faith and open up to two of my close girlfriends, and obviously I was proven wrong about my fears; they not only embraced me without any judgement or prejudice, but their support felt like the heavy blanket of my trauma and despair was replaced by a comforting blanket of love and support. Not only that, they also started to open up about their own struggles they had had with diverse topics surrounding mental health.

One amazing added benefit of talking openly about my struggles was not only the deep connection with other people, but also the fact that once I opened up, others also started to open up. And suddenly I realized that most people had struggled with mental health or had someone close to them who had struggled. It was a kind reminder that we are all humans, we just rarely dare to actually show it.

If you currently don't already have some close friends in your life, I would strongly encourage you to focus your time and energy on finding your tribe! Creating this tribe of strong girlfriends is like planting a garden of your favorite flowers - you nurture it, watch it grow, and bask in its beautiful benefits. These are some of my personal tips;

Support Groups: Join local mental health support groups or workshops, these are perfect places where people are already sensitized to the topic so it will be easier to open up in an accepting and welcoming environment
Be the Initiator: Sometimes, you have to be the one to make the first move. Invite a coworker out for coffee, ask a neighbor if they want to join a workout class with you, or reach out to someone you’ve met at a social event. It all starts with a "hello"!
Join Women-Focused Coworking Spaces: these spaces often host networking events and workshops designed for professional women to connect
Volunteer: Find causes you care about and volunteer regularly—you'll meet like-minded women who share your values.
Take Classes or Workshops: Sign up for cooking classes, art workshops, or personal development seminars where you can meet women with similar interests.
Join Online Communities: Look for local Facebook groups or Meetup groups specifically for women in your area who want to make new friends - the Lost in Girl Bossness community included 😉
Use Friendship Apps: try apps like Bumble BF (I met some really interesting women there), which are specifically designed for women seeking friendships

Remember, building your tribe isn't about collecting a large number of superficial friendships - it's about cultivating meaningful connections that nurture your soul and support your growth. While taking those first steps might feel daunting, the reward of having a strong support system is truly invaluable. Your tribe becomes your safe haven, your cheerleaders, and your partners in both celebrations and challenges. So take that brave first step - your future self will thank you for it, and you might just discover that the connection you've been yearning for has been waiting for you to simply open up.

Soul Sisters: Why Female Friendships Are Life's Ultimate Love Story

While society often places an overwhelming emphasis on finding 'the one,' I've come to realize that our girlfriends are the true constants in our love story called life. They're the ones who help us choose the perfect first-date outfit and calm our pre-date jitters, the ones who stand beside us in flowing dresses on our wedding day, and most importantly, they're the ones who show up at our doorstep with ice cream, wine, and tissues when our heart gets shattered into a million pieces. Unlike romantic relationships that may come and go, these soul sisters form an unshakeable foundation of support that withstands all of life's seasons. They celebrate our highest highs without jealousy and hold space for our lowest lows without judgment. While romantic love may make our hearts flutter, it's the steady, unconditional love of our girlfriends that keeps our hearts beating. These relationships aren't the 'backup plan' – they're the essential threads that weave together the tapestry of our lives, making it richer, stronger, and infinitely more beautiful. In my journey, I've learned that investing in these friendships is just as crucial as any romantic relationship, if not more so, because these are the relationships that truly stand the test of time.

Wrapping It Up

Building a supportive community has transformed my mental health in ways I never anticipated. Finding my tribe of understanding individuals has allowed me to face my challenges with renewed hope.

Mental health is a complex journey, and having a supportive network makes a significant difference. I encourage you to embrace the process of creating your own community. You don’t have to walk this path alone; your tribe is out there waiting for you. Remember, together, we can build stronger foundations for our mental health. On that note, reach out to someone in this community and strike up a conversation 😉!