Connecting with community boosted Evan’s mental wellbeing
Through doing his DofE, UK Youth Ambassador Evan has noticed a huge difference in his wellbeing. He tells us all about beneficial it has been to get involved with his local community and his recommendations for improving your mental health.
Life isn’t always easy and can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed, anxious and doubting ourselves. For me, a time I really struggled with my mental health was after my grandad and grandma died within the space of a few years. Their deaths left me feeling anxious, confused and that I had lost a part of me inside.
Ever since I began my DofE journey, I’ve noticed that I’ve been a lot more optimistic, positive and able to better manage life’s inevitable ups and downs. DofE helps encourage us to try new things or spend more time on activities we enjoy but never seem to find the time to be able to do, which is something I find really helps me to feel happier and fulfilled.
When I started my Bronze, I decided to take up squash for my Physical section. I’ve continued this throughout my Silver and Gold, and I’m now playing multiple times a week and even helping coach the younger pupils at my school. This has really helped me with my mental wellbeing as it’s not only helped with my confidence, it’s also helped me feel more involved with my school community.
The communities we become a part of through DofE can be really beneficial in helping us grow as people, while also providing a network to support through both the good and the bad times. They help us connect with other people, support one another and find new passions and meaning within our daily lives.
For my Bronze and Silver Skills section, I learnt Mandarin and Cantonese at my local Chinese Community School every Sunday. In addition to developing my communication skills in class, I was also able to feel connected to my local Chinese community and my Chinese heritage.
Taking part in Chinese New Year celebrations and other festivals has really helped me feel a sense of belonging and appreciation for my community, which has in turn really helped me with my mental health.
Through participating in mental health discussions and completing my Mental Health First Aid qualification as a DofE UK Youth Ambassador, I’ve become all too familiar with how mental health is so heavily stigmatised and often overlooked – particularly among men.
Many men still perceive and associate mental health with weakness and find themselves bottling up their emotions rather than feeling able to discuss them openly. But the truth is, opening up about mental health is something that requires strength, bravery and is most definitely not a sign of failure.
While for many it may not feel comfortable to ask for help, it’s what’s needed to help you overcome any struggles and for your mental health to improve.
As a young person, I know how overwhelming it can be struggling with mental health and it’s totally normal and understandable to feel this way. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it’s okay to talk to friends and ask people around you for support.
Other ways that I’ve found really help me with my mental health are exercising, listening to music or just doing things that I enjoy.
This, together with getting involved with your community, are really healthy ways to improve your mental health and help you thrive in the future.
For further support, check out the following organisations:
