The positive benefits of community

In her recent book, The Age of Diagnosis, neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan concludes that of all the things we can do to improve our psychological and mental health, being part of community is most important. She maintains that we are social creatures who need real-life connection, and encourages a movement away from the over-medicalisation of help in favour of more human approaches like counselling, psychotherapy, and community-based therapy.

As a professional in the field of psychology who values community and connection, O’Sullivan’s stance resonates for me. Ideally, becoming part of groups helps us to develop a sense of belonging and inner security. It helps to stave off feelings of loneliness, which can impact our physical and mental health. It may be a knitting group, a scrabble group at the local library, a book club, or soccer team. Whatever it is, it helps to give us a sense of connection and acts to buffer against loneliness and emotional vulnerability.