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The Mental Health Benefits of Volunteering

July 21, 2022 by Marisol Guerra-Garza

More often than not, when a client comes in for services and expresses a need to find purpose in life, one of the suggestions I make is volunteering. Some look puzzled at the idea, while other’s seem to have that “ah ha,” moment. For most volunteering is a positive, productive and fulfilling experience.

In recent years studies have been conducted and show that volunteering can have a positive effect on your physical and mental health. For instance, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Very Well Mind, the benefits of Volunteering are as follows:

  • Reduces Stress
    According to the Mayo Clinic “Volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing dopamine. By spending time in service to others, volunteers report feeling a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.”
  • Increases Happiness
    In my experience; when in the service of others and most importantly when the activity I am participating in is intended to help others, I do tent to feel more positive and happy.
  • Helps with the development of confidence
    Volunteering can provide you the opportunity to be placed or assigned to partake in different roles, which can help in increasing your self-confidence and boost yourself esteem.
  • Helps finds purpose
    In my experience, I think what leads to a search for purpose is usually due to a shift or change in our lives. Sometimes when we are having issues adjusting or moving forward, we tend feel a loss of purpose. I truly believe that assisting others, especially in an areas that we are interested in or have experience in, helps us redefine and reignite our passions, which helps us rediscover our purpose.
  • Provides more opportunity for social interaction, building friendships and engagement According to Very Well Mind, volunteering can help individuals meet new people with similar interests, which in turn can create long lasting friendships. I find this to be very true, as I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting and friendliest people that I have every had the chance to meet by volunteering.
  • Helps manage blood-pressure
    Studies show that “High blood pressure is a key health indicator because it contributes to heart disease, stroke, and premature death.” In addition, further research shows that those that volunteer on a regular basis are less at risk of having high blood pressure.

Finding a place to volunteer can seem like daunting task, but I recommend first considering what your interest are and utilizing that as a starting place.

Below is a list of possible ideas and/or locations:

  • Tutoring
  • Senior Centers
  • Coaching
  • Participating in Clean Ups
  • Library
  • Fundraisers
  • Food Bank
  • Shelters
  • Non-profits

Resources:

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2022/How-Volunteering-Improves-Mental-Health

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-mental-health-benefits-of-volunteering-5248549

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/view-the-mist/201606/volunteer-when-depressed-the-life-you-save-may-be-your-own

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Kathleen Bradford
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Kathleen Bradford
February 12, 2024

Ray has been an extremely effective therapist utilizing a multitude of different techniques, including talk therapy and EMDR. He is very intuitive, kind, and sensitive to his patient's needs. Cannot recommend him enough.

Lauren Goodley
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Lauren Goodley
February 9, 2024

I love this place. Office is super helpful for scheduling and payments. I do all my appointments online. My counselor Raymund Begaye is always professional and helpful, and offers different therapies including talk therapy and EMDR. Counseling with Ray has improved my quality of life and ability to handle, and enjoy (!), my life.

Ryan Dicke
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Ryan Dicke
February 9, 2024

I have dealt with 2 therapists in the past, and I can tell you from experience that Raymund Begaye is world class. He has all the wisdom, grace and savvy of Hannibal Lector without the cannibalistic tendencies. Always selfless, supportive, and non judgemental, meeting Raymund has been a huge blessing in my life. I know from the bottom of my heart that he got into this business because he cares about people and the human element. He also thinks outside of the box. His knowledge and ability to conduct EMDR sessions have been pure gold. I was skeptical at first about EMDR, but after several sessions with Raymund I can honestly say past traumatic experiences that have kept me in a state of bondage, are not as intense as they once were. Raymund is a true American hero in many ways. He saved many lives fighting for our great country, and he continues to save lives by providing hope to the hopeless.

Stefanie Anderson
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Stefanie Anderson
February 9, 2024

I've been seeing Ray for over 3 years now. He has helped me work through so much of my trauma. We started with talk therapy and it was a big help. As we opened up through my past traumas, we utilized the EMDR therapy, and let me tell you, it works wonders. I'm not sure of the exact science behind why EMDR works but I promise it does. I've come along way from the start of my therapy journey. Ray is very patient, understanding, and even when you think he doesn't get it, he does. He's always been very reassuring and has let me ease into dealing with my past. I think I found my therapist for life because before him, I had gone through several therapists that never made me feel like I'm being heard. I would recommend the EMDR therapy to anyone. Thanks InMindOut for employing such a wonderful therapist. Please don't let him go anywhere lol.

Faith Harris
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Faith Harris
February 8, 2024

My therapist has been Ray B since fall of 2021. I was diagnosed with PTSD after the death of my husband. We were together 24 years and have a son. I know I'm alive today thanks to God and Ray. His techniques, patience, experience, care, effort, ideas and many more I can't think of, have been amazing. Ray is a blessing in my life.

Maggie Anaya
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Maggie Anaya
February 3, 2024

Great therapists, always friendly

Charles Earley
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Charles Earley
January 17, 2024

Canceled 3 weeks in a row.

Jessica Wicklund
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Jessica Wicklund
December 25, 2023

I saw your video on FailArmy. Sorry your beautiful ferns got stolen. If I ever make it to your area I’ll have to stop by and check it out. Looks like a cool place!

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