Volunteer Therapy

The mental health benefits of volunteerism is thoroughly documented in research. The paradox is real. The more one gives of himself, his time, and his talents doing good things for others, the more he gets back in the form of happiness and a sense of well-being. Volunteering may be the ultimate self-help therapy.

The gifts one receives from volunteering include:

• Emotional. One of the most obvious aspects that is confirmed in study after study is that volunteers are happy people.  One study from Duke University discovered that patients who got back on their feet again after a heart attack and then volunteered felt less despair and depression. Pervasiveness of feelings are linked to the mortality of recovered heart patients.

Many volunteers report an improved sense of happiness no matter what the level of contentment they had when they started.  A sense of purpose and accomplishment clearly is a boost to the self-esteem. Volunteering strengthens an individual’s self-concept.  Such activities make it easier for someone to appreciate that he is a good person. A strong positive sense of self can counter-balance many negatives.

• Belonging. Feelings of sadness and anxiety virtually define loneliness. Volunteers feel that they are taking care of their neighbors, either locally or globally, and improving society. They are shown to be more likely to be involved  in other community activities. They sense themselves as not only a part of their neighborhoods but of mankind in a more tangible way.

The power of a sense of belonging can be  profound.  There have been some notable results from schools which have introduced service learning, volunteer-type activities as a school course. One of the purposes of these courses is to combat rising drop-out rates. It is reported that through these programs, many students felt a richer connection to their community and described developing a desire to be a more productive part of it. Consequently, larger numbers of students remained in school.

• Empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is going through. Empathy is critical for successful relationships. Successful relationships bring happiness. Volunteers often find that stepping into another's world through volunteer work opens them to a greater understanding of people.

As Raleigh grows, so does the need for volunteers. There are many organizations throughout the city that regularly recruit volunteers.  The Raleigh Rescue Mission, SAFEchild, and the Literacy Council of Wake County are just a few of the many groups who need volunteer time and talent.  There are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of and participate in this generous form of self-help therapy in Wake County.