Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded the alarm on an urgent public health issue, which he calls the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in our country.
In his public health advisory, he called attention to the link between increased social connection and better health - not just personal health but also healthier communities.
As a community nonprofit, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, which includes the East Orange, Greater Bergen, South Mountain, Sussex County, Wayne and West YMCAs as well as Fairview Lake YMCA Camps, plays an important role in creating spaces for connection that improve the health of everyone in our communities.
Mental, emotional and social well-being are important parts of our overall health as well as core components of our identity.
Offering opportunities for individuals and communities to engage in physical activity and increase social connection - through things like group fitness classes, summer camp or swim lessons - are two great ways the Y can help promote mental, emotional and social wellness.
Research shows that those who regularly engage in physical activity and increased social connection experience:
• Improved overall health and well-being.
• Reduction in isolation and loneliness.
• Reduced risk of depression and anxiety.
• Increased effectiveness of treatment they may be receiving for a pre-existing mental health condition.
• Reduction in risky and antisocial behaviors (specifically in youth).
• Improved relationship and social skills (specifically in youth).
• Improved academic learning and performance (specifically in youth).
To further support the mental, emotional and social well-being of individuals, communities, and our staff, the Metro Y is:
• Training staff to recognize, respond and refer when they notice someone who may be struggling by providing Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
• Incorporating social-emotional learning into our early childhood and school-aged childcare curriculums to assist youth in fostering the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to develop healthy identities, create meaningful relationships and engage productively with others.
• Ensuring everyone can participate in our programming through our financial assistance program.
• Supporting staff wellness through expanded support and training resources.
Everyone can play a role in supporting mental, emotional and social well-being. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Y encourages you to identify simple ways you can care for others, such as:
• Using your powers of observation to notice when someone may be struggling with a hard day, moment or situation.
• Intentionally asking “how are you?” and encouraging honest answers so others can share and feel heard.
• Bringing compassion and kindness to your daily interactions.
• When you notice someone struggling, connecting them to mental health resources like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org).
The Y has provided resources at metroymcas.org/dig to help those struggling with mental health.
Laura McCann
Mental Health Director, Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges