Without even realizing it, those couple of hours spent volunteering each week are probably benefiting you as much as the charity you're helping.
There is a large body of research that supports volunteering as a tool for improving mental health, said Stephanie Kolaski, a registered psychotherapist with Lotus Counselling Services in Waterdown.
Volunteering has several benefits on an individual’s overall well-being, whether or not they are currently struggling with any kind of mental or emotional health concern, she said.
“Not only do we see brain changes such as increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin (all feel good chemicals), there is also research that shows overall reductions in depression and anxiety symptom severity and increased life satisfaction and sense of purpose.”
Individuals who may have been, or currently are, struggling with depression, anxiety (especially social/performance anxiety), loneliness, and grief/loss, may benefit greatly from volunteering in any capacity, said Kolaski.
Often when an individual is struggling with their mental health they feel isolated or disconnected from themselves, others, or lack a sense of community; they may have a low sense of self-worth or self-confidence and belief they lack purpose and meaning, she said.
“Volunteering provides an opportunity, outside of therapy, to rebuild these connections and adopt healthier belief systems about themselves. For those struggling with mental health, volunteering may offer structure and routine, social connection, feeling valued and accomplished, and provides healthy distraction."
When Kolaski recommends volunteering as part of a holistic approach to mental health recovery, she will usually explore a client’s values and interests first, to best match them with a volunteer opportunity.
If they love being in nature, for example, volunteer opportunities in conservation areas or gardening roles are explored; if they love animals, they look at animal rescues or sanctuaries.
“If a client is seeking more social interaction, we may explore agencies that offer more direct community contact such as community food banks/kitchens, shelters, mentorship programs, tutoring,” she added.
For individuals experiencing grief and loss, some may find value in volunteering as a means to honour a loved one, reduce loneliness, and provide emotional healing and purpose, said Kolaski. Volunteering at hospice organizations or grief support programs/groups might be a good fit, she said.
“The wonderful thing about volunteering is it is often very flexible to the needs of individuals. You can sign up to be a regular weekly volunteer with an agency or choose to support things more casually throughout the year such as through charity events and fundraisers.”
Kolaski is “a huge advocate for volunteering to support our overall mental and emotional well-being, as someone who also finds purpose doing this myself in the community.”
Finding a place to volunteer
To find volunteer positions, a good place to start is Flamborough Connects, which works with about 50 volunteers on an ongoing basis in a variety of areas. This includes everything from volunteer snow shovelers and drivers, as well as some who help with individual events, said Flamborough Connects Executive Director Colleen Stinson.
“Through our Flamborough Volunteers service, Flamborough Connects also refers people looking for volunteer positions in our community to other organizations via our Volunteer Opportunities and our Volunteer Guide,” said Stinson.
Depending on the volunteer and the volunteer role, it could be quite easy for them to find the perfect position or it might be a longer, more complex process, she said.
Through her years of experience, Stinson said she knows “many people love volunteering, love the difference they make in their community and love the good feeling that volunteering provides.”
Visit flamboroughconnects.ca for more information.
