With over 307,042,234 habitants in the United States currently, it seems absolutely shocking that we are the largest consumer of anti-depressants in the world. As a nation, the power of isolationism, stress, and poor economy is working to pull individuals apart at the seams. With so many on prescriptions of this nature, it bears the question – does every person need anti-depressants who are prescribed them and how can we make a difference to improve the situation?
Building community, particularly a green community, is a fantastic way to relieve isolated souls, not to mention relieve the insurance and medical crisis we have here in the United States. More importantly, it is a pro-active thing we can do to help people stay emotionally and physically healthy. Green living means more than simply “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” In my opinion, it means caring for your neighbors and working to make a difference to help them.
Some in our society who live without being active in their communities feel powerless, isolated, and disconnected from other people and the world around them. These are key symptoms of depression. Yet, it is important to distinguish 
loneliness from depression. Does everyone who feels lonely also need anti-depressants to get through the day?
There are many who truly need to be medicated, yet the question remains who really does and who really does not?
Perhaps if more people are connected to others in a supportive way, being an integral part of community, we could reduce isolation. Not only that – imagine the possibilities of how we might increase our economy.
Communities that come together to beautify and maintain their neighborhoods encourage more businesses and residents to move there. Thereby significantly improving their economic standing as compared to other communities in the area who are not doing the same community effort. Pulling people from the community who feel lonely and isolated helps improve mental health on a larger scale. Doing physical activities together enhances this concept even more because physical exercise can help reduce depression. Here you see photos of America In Bloom volunteers from a recent container planting effort made within my own community.
There are many non-profit community building organizations such as churches, clubs, and other more specific community beautification groups such as the America In Bloom group I work through. They are all places you can go to help or be helped. With so many of these groups trying to promote community improvement and activity, it seems a wonderful time to come together and help others. Do it now and help individuals in your community feel less isolated, more empowered, and wonderfully needed. You can make a difference.
Please leave a comment and let me know how you are making a difference for your community members.
Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! www.thecasualgardener.com, The Green Blog - www.gardeningnude.com, or The Garden Blog - http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com
Building community, particularly a green community, is a fantastic way to relieve isolated souls, not to mention relieve the insurance and medical crisis we have here in the United States. More importantly, it is a pro-active thing we can do to help people stay emotionally and physically healthy. Green living means more than simply “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” In my opinion, it means caring for your neighbors and working to make a difference to help them.
Some in our society who live without being active in their communities feel powerless, isolated, and disconnected from other people and the world around them. These are key symptoms of depression. Yet, it is important to distinguish
loneliness from depression. Does everyone who feels lonely also need anti-depressants to get through the day?
There are many who truly need to be medicated, yet the question remains who really does and who really does not?
Perhaps if more people are connected to others in a supportive way, being an integral part of community, we could reduce isolation. Not only that – imagine the possibilities of how we might increase our economy.
Communities that come together to beautify and maintain their neighborhoods encourage more businesses and residents to move there. Thereby significantly improving their economic standing as compared to other communities in the area who are not doing the same community effort. Pulling people from the community who feel lonely and isolated helps improve mental health on a larger scale. Doing physical activities together enhances this concept even more because physical exercise can help reduce depression. Here you see photos of America In Bloom volunteers from a recent container planting effort made within my own community.
There are many non-profit community building organizations such as churches, clubs, and other more specific community beautification groups such as the America In Bloom group I work through. They are all places you can go to help or be helped. With so many of these groups trying to promote community improvement and activity, it seems a wonderful time to come together and help others. Do it now and help individuals in your community feel less isolated, more empowered, and wonderfully needed. You can make a difference.
Please leave a comment and let me know how you are making a difference for your community members.
Shawna Coronado says Get Healthy! Get Green! Get Community! www.thecasualgardener.com, The Green Blog - www.gardeningnude.com, or The Garden Blog - http://thecasualgardener.blogspot.com