It’s National Mental Health Month and I wanted to share different ways kindness can help our mental health and well-being. I uncovered some scary statistics about mental health in the US:
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 51.5 million adults (age 18 or older) in the United States experienced a mental illness in 2019, which accounts for about 20.6% of the adult population.
- Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health conditions in the US. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that around 40 million adults in the US, or about 18.1% of the population, are affected by anxiety disorders each year.
- Depression continues to be a significant mental health concern. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of depression symptoms in adults increased from 6.6% in 2019 to 30.4% in 2020, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated challenges.
Acts of kindness have the power to transform not only the lives of those on the receiving end but also the mental health of the giver. There is scientific evidence that shows that engaging in acts of kindness can lead to improved mental health and well-being. In this article, I will explore the various ways in which acts of kindness affect your mental health.
It has been shown that engaging in acts of kindness can boost your mood. When we do something kind for someone else, it activates the pleasure centers in our brains, releasing feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and dopamine. These hormones are responsible for creating a sense of happiness and contentment. So, whether it’s helping a neighbor with their groceries or donating to a charity, the act of giving can provide an instant mood boost.
Acts of kindness can help to reduce stress and anxiety. When we focus on helping others, we shift our attention away from our own worries and problems. This can be incredibly beneficial for our mental health, as it allows us to gain perspective and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. In fact, studies have shown that people who engage in regular acts of kindness have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is associated with a range of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Acts of kindness can improve our relationships with others. When we do something kind for someone else, it helps to strengthen our connections with them. This can be particularly beneficial for our mental health, as social connections are a crucial factor in maintaining good mental health and well-being. Additionally, the act of giving can also inspire others to pay it forward, creating a ripple effect of kindness that can spread throughout our communities.
Acts of kindness can increase our sense of purpose and meaning in life. When we engage in acts of kindness, we are contributing to something greater than ourselves. This can help to create a sense of purpose and meaning in our lives, which is important for our mental health and well-being. In fact, studies have shown that people who engage in volunteer work and other acts of kindness have a greater sense of purpose in life and are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety.
Finally, acts of kindness can improve our self-esteem and sense of self-worth. When we engage in acts of kindness, we feel good about ourselves and our abilities. This can help to boost our self-esteem and sense of self-worth, which is important for good mental health. When we receive gratitude and thanks from others for our acts of kindness, it can reinforce these positive feelings and help to build our confidence and self-esteem.
If you aren’t convinced yet that KINDNESS is a strength–please let me know! So, the next time you’re feeling down or stressed, why not try doing something kind for someone else? You might be surprised at how much it can benefit your own mental health and well-being.
Listen to my latest podcast that discusses kindness and mental health.