Written by: Hannah Heukeshoven, MS, LAPC (she/they)
Community is one of the most valuable aspects of human civilization and has allowed us to exist here today- yet in modern days we struggle to create meaningful connections. Studies point to numerous factors that have led to the decrease in community, with some contributing factors being wealth and class, access to public spaces, education, and an overall decrease in community-focused engagement (religious organizations, unions, social clubs). As these previously more prominent third spaces decrease, it falls on us to put ourselves out there and find ways to engage meaningfully in our communities.
The Relationship between Community and Mental Health
Finding a community and developing a sense of community is one of the more predictive factors in promoting and protecting mental health. Studies have shown that an increased sense of community decreases symptoms of depression, anxiety and loneliness. Community can be many things: engaging with public spaces, close friends in or out of immediate proximity, neighborhood interactions, and places of community gatherings like religious institutions. Due to continued defunding of communities, community spaces, and public parks, we can often lose these places that foster community more naturally. With this comes a need to create and find our own third spaces and areas to foster this sense of belonging and community.
Creating Community Where You Are
Unlike previous times, where community engagement was built into our lives more explicitly, now people must seek out these spaces on their own. Previously, community could be found in unions, religious centers, social clubs, and our neighborhood shops. These places were our third spaces, but commercialization of shopping, decreases in unions, and decreases in church attendance have combined to cause these places to either close up shop or exist for particularly more privileged communities. But while there has been a decrease in third spaces over recent years, in some cities like our own, people have become passionate about creating tailored third spaces for different communities and hobbies. There are many ways to find spaces and community where you are. Google, Eventbrite, local social media groups and pages, and even walking around your own neighborhood can be a great start. Coffee shops, theatre troupes, board game meet-ups, pinball leagues, book clubs, crafting circles, and even more exist locally. Whether you have an existing hobby, interests, or even a desire to try something new- there is something for everyone.
How to Find the Right Third Space for You
The best place to start is locally, you can:
- Walk around your own neighborhood and look at flyers in different businesses
- Look for community centers (ex. Wilkins School Community Center)
- Follow local neighborhood pages for information around upcoming events
For niche or more specific hobbies or interests, explore:
- Eventbrite
- Local shops or spaces that are specific to these hobbies or interests.
Examples of this being: If you enjoy fiber arts, finding a crafting group via fabric/yarn stores; If you enjoy theatre/arts, exploring different theatre companies or art collectives; If you are interested in engaging in specific communities, looking in spaces that are owned, or focused towards these communities may help (ex. Queer owned businesses, accessible spaces, etc.).
Sometimes, these third spaces can be right under our nose, in the places we frequent. A great example can be here at Elements Counseling and Wellness Spa. While we may offer therapy and spa services, we also strive to create a place where different communities and those with similar interests can meet. As our social events continue to grow- like our recently held Community Day, or our growing events focused on tarot/spirituality, shibari, sapphics, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+, or even just coming together to connect (Cozy Collective). We continue to attempt to foster and grow local community beyond the constraints of today’s society as part of our mission. Sometimes the best place to start is where we are, in places we often find ourselves in. Investing our time in the community and creating a sense of belonging is something that can pay dividends in the long run, especially for our well-being and mental health.
To schedule an appointment, contact us here or email info@elementspgh.com or call 412-587-6020.
The information contained in this blog does not replace professional treatment or diagnosis and is for educational purposes only.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10314672/
- https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/disconnected-places-and-spaces/
https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/how-third-places-contribute-thriving-communities
