A well-known way to “give back” is volunteering. It’s a chance to help your neighbors and make a positive difference in the community. But did you know that helping others can also be a gift you give yourself? As cliche as that sounds, research shows* that there are numerous benefits to one’s mental health simply from volunteering some time, energy, or attention to a worthy cause. Children and adolescents are no exception! In fact, young people are particularly inclined to benefit from the various social, mental, and emotional advantages associated with volunteer activities. But you may be wondering, isn’t volunteering just something that happier people are more likely to do? Recent studies* show that’s not the whole story! Quite profoundly, volunteering can actually create positive change in one’s mood and overall well-being long term! Wow, right? With this in mind, let’s break down some of the reasons why:
- Happiness Chemicals: Helping others releases those “feel good” chemicals in the brain such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin that help us experience joy, fulfillment, and happiness.
- Perspective: Volunteering provides teens some valuable perspective when learning about problems that other people face in the world around them. Teens gain an expanded understanding of current social and environmental issues, and may experience gratitude when shifting focus off one’s personal problems in order to do something to help someone else.
- Rewarding Challenge: Volunteer work offers a new and interesting challenge that is mentally stimulating and rewarding once completed. The sense of accomplishment after a volunteer project boosts self-esteem and inspires one to lean into their potential.
- Good Distraction: Helping others can be a positive distraction from negative thoughts, critical self-talk, and other obstacles that teens with depression or anxiety face.
- Social Belonging: Volunteering in a group allows teens to share in the experience and build relationships with others. Teens gain the opportunity to meet different kinds of people they might not otherwise encounter. This environment can create a valuable sense of social belonging, a vital part of adolescents’ development.
- Purpose: Teens gain a sense of purpose when working towards a greater cause that extends beyond each individual. Volunteer projects can help teens define their personal values and goals, and then provide the opportunity to actively participate in the cause they care about.
- Life Skills: Adolescents harness and develop new skills when volunteering, resulting in greater self-confidence. Volunteering often occurs within an unfamiliar context, providing an opportunity to mature in ways that help them navigate new social and professional environments in the future.
- Time & Money: The unpaid nature of volunteering can teach youth to find other fulfilling motives for the work of serving the community. Teens learn about committing their time and energy in ways that others value. By contrast, teens get to compare this to the experience of working in a paid position of employment.
- Reduced Screen Time: Volunteering can be a useful way to reduce time spent socially isolated or fixated on a screen, two contributing factors of depression and anxiety in adolescents.
- Future Prospects: Teens can explore new interests that expand one’s learning and goals for the future. Some may choose a career path because of a passion developed in a volunteer role. Volunteering also provides excellent experience on a resume for teens applying for jobs or educational programs.
If your child is interested in getting plugged in, consider which areas fit their interests the most! No one says that volunteering has to be boring. Here’s a few ways to find the right fit:
- Volunteer Match: Online search engine to narrow down options based on your unique preferences:
- Other Volunteer Opportunities:
- Arrowhead Lake Association
- National Forest
- Operation Provider: Food Pantry in Rimforest
References
Benson, P. L., Clary, E. G., & Scales, P. C. (2007). Altruism and health: Is there a link during adolescence? In S. G. Post (Ed.), Altruism and Health: Perspectives From Empirical Research pp. (97–115). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0009
Lawton, R.N., Gramatki, I., Watt, W. et al. (2021) Does Volunteering Make Us Happier, or Are Happier People More Likely to Volunteer? Addressing the Problem of Reverse Causality When Estimating the Wellbeing Impacts of Volunteering. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22, 599–624. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00242-8