Is having belongingness important to you? Our belongingness can be different for everyone. Belongingness could relate to your culture, what your hobbies are, where you live, your family status, and much more. Feelings of belongingness are important to many throughout life, no matter what age we are.
Our sense of belongingness greatly affects our mental and physical health. We may feel like we want to be alone sometimes but feeling like you have support and that others want you around is important to how we face life and challenges. Belongingness can help us feel like we are not alone and that we can conquer our goals. If you really think about it, we have the control over our sense of belongingness.
A lack of belongingness can cause:
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Negative worldviews
- Behavioral issues
- & More
Ways to experience belonginess:
- Choose to make an effort
If you are choosing to exclude yourself from friends or social situations, how can you feel belongingness? It can be hard and scary to make friends, but there are people out there that are interested in the same things you are. All you need to do is try and keep trying, even when it is hard.
Be willing to be around others that have different interests and backgrounds than you. Try new things that you may think you do not like; it could be the start of something you actually enjoy.
- Understand self-acceptance
Some of us may feel lonely even when we are surrounded by others. This can stem from our sense of self-worth and believing that we do not deserve to be understood or feel like we belong. In order to overcome these thoughts, we must gain self-acceptance and self-love.
- Stop focusing on your differences
Even though we are unique individuals, we have similarities with other people as well. Start creating hobbies with people of similar interests. This can be hanging out with people at the gym, playing video games with people, taking art classes, going to mommy and me classes if you are a mom, and so much more.
- Be vulnerable
Learn to take risks and do things outside of your comfort zone. Being vulnerable can also mean staying our true selves and following our values without being afraid of what others may think/ We cannot have meaningful relationships that help us feel like we belong without being vulnerable.
It is important for our mental health to feel like we belong. Where and how we belong in certain groups and places is up to us. Take the time to be more mindful of yourself, your interests, your values, and all the things that make up who you are. Feeling like we belong is a way to feel confident and helps us achieve goals.
A lack of belongingness can cause anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and much more. Help your mental health by experiencing more belongingness and also providing that belongingness to others. Keep an open mind and learn to have self-acceptance and love. These things will only hold us back and have a negative impact on our mental health if not addressed.
Be vulnerable to new experiences and change. Life is never easy, but it can be easier to manage when we have a sense of purpose and belongingness. If you struggle with your feelings of belongingness, reach out to others for help. A trained therapist can help you open up and better understand yourself, as well as others. If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of belonging, do not be afraid to ask for help.
