One Big Way to Feel Less Disconnected

"Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy (2023) warned of an epidemic of loneliness and isolation that can undermine our emotional and physical health, and the World Health Organization (2025) reported a worldwide rise in anxiety and depression. As educator Kim Samuel has found, we need community, a sense of belonging, in order to feel safe and secure (2022). Throughout history, people have lived in small groups, as hunter-gatherers, then in small towns and communities."

"When he left the White House, former President Jimmy Carter set a new example of leadership by volunteering to build houses for Habitat for Humanity. For over 30 years, he and former first lady Rosalynn Carter worked alongside other volunteers, building new affordable homes for people across the country and around the world. He founded the Carter Center, which has monitored elections, helped rid the developing world of diseases, and resolved conflicts internationally."

"Any one of us can make a difference. My friend Gertrude Welch worked for years as a secretary at Santa Clara University. When she retired, she said she'd "work full time for peace and justice." And she did. Gertrude worked with local churches to create sanctuaries for Central American refugees, helped develop low-income housing in San Jose, California, and was involved in a movement to reduce hate in our community."

Loneliness and anxiety are increasing worldwide and can undermine emotional and physical health. A sense of belonging and community provides safety, security, and contributes to longer, healthier lives. Volunteering reconnects people to community through shared work and purpose and can improve emotional and physical well-being. Long-term volunteer efforts, such as building affordable housing and creating sanctuaries for refugees, demonstrate how individual commitment supports social needs and public health. Local and global volunteer initiatives can address isolation, reduce hate, support vulnerable populations, and contribute to social cohesion and longevity.

Read at Psychology Today