Yes, 1 Person CAN Make a Difference

By Marianne Wylie, MSW, RSW

​If mental health refers to the emotional, spiritual and psychological well-being of a person, what does Community Mental Health mean? 

​Community Mental Health refers to the emotional, spiritual and psychological wellness of a group of people.

​Like an individual, a community’s mental health can be affected by grief, financial hardships, and traumas. When a community member passes away, most people in that community are affected in some way. Some individuals will need to work extended hours while a co-worker takes a bereavement leave, some teachers or childcare workers will find themselves providing comfort and support to children who are grieving, and many people will simply bear the pall of loss that echoes throughout the lives of the people they know. 

​However, pain that is shared among many is less intense than pain carried by only a few, and communities that work together to support individuals and families are more likely to heal.
 
A community’s overall mental health can improve as individuals heal from hardships and find creative and healthy ways of coping. Like one pebble landing in water causing a ripple effect that reaches the land around it, one person’s healing journey causes a positive ripple effect in their community. When we improve ourselves, we shine brighter, and others notice. When we discover joy and acceptance, we express love and smile more. People notice this and it has a positive impact on their mental health. Therefore, when you work on yourself, you are also helping those around you.
 
Never be discouraged about being limited in what you can do to help.
 
You are the difference.