Lack of a Sense of Community & Support Systems

People have a right to a sense of community and a reliable social-emotional support system, which are a network of family and community members that individuals can rely on and turn to for practical and emotional support. A sense of community is created when individuals are connected through location, interests, family, etc. and creates a sense of purpose and belonging. A lack of community can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness that can take a toll on mental and physical health.

Click the links below to learn more about how this is a harm

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's "Sense of Community"

Discusses the importance of community connection for health and shows related stats

National Alliance of Mental Illnesses's "The Importance of Community and Mental Health"

Describes the connection between being part of a community and good mental health

University at Buffalo School of Social Work's "Developing Your Support System"

Tells how to keep up current relationships as well as how to improve your ties to the community

Mental Health First Aid's "The Importance of Having a Support System"

Informs how support systems help recovery and gives tips for strengthening your network

OECD's "Lack of Social Support"

Analyzes data that relates isolation to the prevalence of a variety of diseases