The COVID-19 shutdowns forced many Americans into isolation, affecting their ability to engage in valued activities such as spending time with friends, family, and participating in community events.
However, for millions of Americans living with serious mental health conditions, enduring such seclusion isn’t just a temporary crisis; it’s a daily reality.
Community inclusion is vital, signifying everyone’s right to partake in meaningful social roles, like working, going to school, practicing faith, or engaging in shared activities.
Unfortunately, for the approximately 15.4 million U.S. adults grappling with significant mental health conditions—about 6% of the adult population—this participation is not a guaranteed aspect of life.
Research shows that individuals with these conditions want to be active members of their communities, yet they often struggle to find opportunities for social engagement that foster a sense of purpose and connection, which are crucial for their overall health and well-being.
As a psychologist with over two decades of experience in psychiatric settings and leading a federally funded research center at Temple University focused on independent living and community participation, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that community involvement can have on people with mental illnesses.
Engagement in community life is not just about social interaction; it has significant health benefits.
For individuals with serious mental illnesses, community activities encourage physical movement and can contribute to improved physical health, which is critical given that these individuals often experience a reduced life expectancy of 15 to 20 years compared to the general population, frequently due to preventable illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Furthermore, regular participation in daily routines brings vital social and emotional stimulation, enhancing cognitive functioning, boosting memory and problem-solving skills, and considerably reducing feelings of depression and loneliness.
A commonly held belief is that the symptoms associated with severe mental illnesses primarily impede individuals from actively participating in their communities.
Cognitive challenges linked to conditions like schizophrenia may lead some to assume that affected individuals cannot work or attend school, while mania, anxiety, and depression often seem to obstruct the development of meaningful relationships.
Nevertheless, environmental factors also play a crucial role in shaping community inclusion.
According to the social model of disability, it is not merely the illness that limits participation; rather, it is the inability of communities to accommodate diverse needs and appreciate the unique attributes of individuals with mental health conditions that creates barriers.
For instance, a student dealing with anxiety or depression might suffer in a classroom system that penalizes non-participation in discussions.
A person whose disability affects their energy levels or mood may find it nearly impossible to thrive in a rigid nine-to-five work environment without reasonable accommodations.
Similarly, individuals might face exclusion from religious gatherings because of behaviors linked to their conditions, such as talking to themselves or needing to move around due to the effects of medication, like akathisia.
These restrictive environments contribute to exclusion, emphasizing the need for communities to adapt and embrace individuals with mental health challenges.
Several innovative programs across Pennsylvania are actively working to change this narrative.
Education Plus assists residents of Philadelphia who struggle with mental health issues by providing support in completing college applications and obtaining necessary accommodations, helping them succeed academically.
Pathways to Housing PA provides transitional job programs and organizes social events, like picnics and baseball outings, fostering a sense of belonging and community connection among participants.
A voter access initiative at an inpatient psychiatric facility empowers patients to check their voter registration status and facilitates the registration process, ensuring that they have a voice in civic matters.
Additionally, the nonprofit Compeer connects volunteers from the community with individuals facing mental health challenges, allowing for mutual engagement in leisure or educational pursuits that can evolve into lasting friendships.
A current study I am conducting examines how to create more supportive and welcoming faith communities in Montgomery County for individuals with mental illnesses.
To facilitate community inclusion, families, friends, and mental health professionals can take simple yet impactful steps.
By asking individuals with mental health conditions about their interests—be it employment, education, dating, or friendship—and encouraging them to pursue these interests, we can significantly enhance their quality of life.
A truly inclusive community goes beyond providing services; it necessitates a fundamental shift in societal beliefs and behaviors towards those with mental health conditions.
Embracing individuals who may express emotions differently or require accommodations creates an environment where everyone can participate fully in community life.
For example, in a coffee shop setting, instead of ignoring or shunning a person who might appear disheveled and is muttering to themselves, consider making eye contact, smiling, and greeting them.
Choosing empathy and understanding over discomfort can help cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for individuals living with mental health illness.
Building inclusive communities requires patience, open-mindedness, and a commitment to recognizing and accommodating the diverse needs of all individuals, leading to enhanced opportunities for everyone to engage in society as equals.
image source from：metrophiladelphia
