Can Volunteering Help Improve Depression?

Volunteering for mental health isn't just about giving; it might hold a key to managing depression. While studies suggest its potential benefits, the link between volunteering work and depression is nuanced. Individual differences significantly influence outcomes. Understanding this relationship requires exploring both the psychological and social dynamics at play. This article delves into whether helping others can truly alleviate depression, emphasising the need for a personalised approach to harness its potential benefits effectively.

Understanding Volunteering and Depression

Volunteering: A planned, long-term activity where someone gives their time for free to help others without expecting compensation.

Depression: Depression is a common mental health disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a range of emotional and physical problems that can interfere with daily life.

Can Volunteering Help Improve Depression?

Yes, community service and mental health improvements can occur through several key benefits. It fosters social connections, offers support, and reduces feelings of isolation.

Volunteer work also encourages positive thinking, and a sense of purpose, and boosts self-esteem through accomplishment. Additionally, it lowers stress, improves physical health, and strengthens relationships. These factors collectively contribute to better mental well-being and can alleviate depressive symptoms.

Volunteering can help improve depression by releasing mood-boosting chemicals, providing a sense of purpose, and reducing stress. It strengthens relationships by connecting you with new people and can be a meaningful activity for families, enhancing social bonds and well-being.

Research Findings on How Volunteering Helps Improve Depression

Research suggests that volunteering can help improve depression in several ways, including:

Social integration: Volunteering can help people develop a support system and connect with others, which can help protect against depression and stress. 

A sense of purpose: Volunteering can help people find a sense of purpose, and develop a new perspective towards life, leading to lower levels of depression and stress. 

Helping others: A 2021 study reported that helping others can activate the brain's reward centre, releasing endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin that improve mood. 

Psychological resources: A 2003 study indicates volunteering can improve access to psychological resources like motivation, self-esteem, and resilience, which help counter depression across age groups. 

Physical activity: Volunteering often involves physical tasks like walking or lifting, this regular movement enhances cardiovascular health, flexibility, and stamina, promoting overall well-being.

What’s the Success Rate of Volunteering in Improving Depression?

In 2020, studies revealed that volunteer work and depression improvements, such as volunteer-led interventions in aged care, drastically lower depressive symptoms and anxiety.

A 2020 study indicated that individuals volunteering for at least a month reported better mental health than non-volunteers. Charity involvement fosters a sense of purpose, especially helpful for adolescents battling depression, and brings other socio-emotional benefits, making it an effective way to enhance overall well-being.

Symptoms of Depression to check. This will help you understand when to seek help:

Emotional Symptoms

• Persistent Sadness: A continuous feeling of sadness or emptiness.
• ⁠Irritability: Increased frustration or anger over minor issues.
• Feelings of Hopelessness: A belief that things will never get better.
• ⁠Guilt or Worthlessness: Excessive feelings of guilt or a sense of being a failure.

Physical Symptomsdevelop

• Changes in Appetite: Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or sleeping too much.
• Fatigue: A constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
• ⁠Aches and Pains: Unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches or digestive issues.

Cognitive Symptoms

• ⁠Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
• Negative Thinking: A tendency to dwell on negative thoughts or events.

Behavioural Symptoms 

• ⁠Withdrawal from Social Activities: Avoiding friends, family, and previously enjoyed activities.
• ⁠Decreased Performance: A decline in work or academic performance.

Engaging with healthcare providers and considering treatment programs offered by Mave Health can benefit those navigating these challenges.

Do Read More About Depression

1. Supporting a Loved One with Depression: Practical Tips
2. Foods for Depression: What to Eat and What to Avoid
3. How Meditation Can Help with Depression?
4. tDCS Device for Depression Treatment

Conclusion

Mental benefits of volunteering offer promising outcomes, including reducing depressive symptoms and fostering a sense of purpose. However, the relationship between social contribution and depression is complex. For personalized advice, consult your healthcare provider and explore the Mave Health Program for a tailored approach to mental well-being. Take the next step by discussing how volunteering for mental health could fit into your plan with your healthcare provider.

Citation

1. Ballard, P. J., Daniel, S. S., Anderson, G., Nicolotti, L., Caballero Quinones, E., Lee, M., & Koehler, A. N. (2021). Incorporating volunteering into treatment for depression among adolescents: Developmental and clinical considerations. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 642910. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.642910
2. Benefits of community service – community engagement. (n.d.). Retrieved 24 September 2024, from https://www.wcsu.edu/community-engagement/benefits-of-volunteering/
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4. Bryant, C., Brown, L., Polacsek, M., Batchelor, F., Capon, H., & Dow, B. (2020). Volunteer-led behavioural activation to reduce depression in residential care: a feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 6(1), 95. doi:10.1186/s40814-020-00640-y
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6. NAMI. (2022, February 2). How volunteering improves mental health. Retrieved 24 September 2024, from NAMI website: https://www.nami.org/people/how-volunteering-improves-mental-health/
7. Points of Light. (2024, May 1). Top 10 ways volunteering improves your mental and emotional health. Retrieved 24 September 2024, from Points of Light website: https://www.pointsoflight.org/blog/volunteering-improves-your-mental-and-emotional-health/
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