Page 7 - Staying Well and Feeling Good - Q3 2022

Among the Independence volunteers is Executive Assistant Helen Shoffner, who began volunteering after the death of her father as a way to find meaning amidst her grief. She started by helping kindergarteners learn to read, and has since donated more than 700 hours in a variety of ways, such
as serving meals, donating clothing, and stuffing backpacks.
Helen remains a dedicated Blue Crew volunteer today, continuing to give back to a variety of organizations.
A Sense of Purpose
The sense of purpose and meaning we get when we volunteer makes us feel appreciated and can reduce stress. It may even affect us physically: according to the Mayo Clinic, volunteering reduces stress and increases positive, relaxed feelings by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Volunteering can be especially helpful
to seniors because it provides access to social and psychological resources known to counter negative moods such as depression and anxiety.
Helping others increases social connections and helps build a support system based
on common interests. Older volunteers
in particular report improvement in life satisfaction and self-esteem.
A Myriad of Opportunities
While you may picture volunteering as working at a soup kitchen or repairing houses, you might be surprised at the number and variety of online volunteer opportunities.
For instance, you can share your career experience to help veterans and military spouses with career counseling and mock interviews. You can be the voice at the other end of a crisis hotline, transcribe documents for digital archives, help the blind via an app, or be a translator for a nonprofit.
Almost any organization you can imagine has virtual volunteer opportunities, so contact one that that inspires you and learn what you can
do to help. Whether using your professional skills, exercising your creativity, or just being there for someone, volunteering is a great way to boost your mental health while making life better for others.
Where to Begin
To discover local volunteer opportunities, visit:
• Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service
• Virtual VolunteerMatch — enter your zip code for local opportunities
• Key Skills Hub — Philadelphia Foundation
• Volunteer | RSVP
If You Need Help
While volunteering can be a powerful tool for improving your mood, it’s not a substitute for mental health treatment. If you’re consistently feeling sad or anxious, talk to your health
care provider. For more information about depression, self-care strategies, and where to find help, visit ibx.com/knowyourmind.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You also can text the Crisis Text Line (HELLO to 741741) or use the Lifeline Chat on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.
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