Mental Health Benefits from Volunteering

Anxiety and depression is becoming increasingly common among Gen Z teenagers and kids, with over 70% of teens seeing anxiety and depression as major problem with their peers according to the Pew Research Center. Not only that, but Gen Z is the least likely to report good or excellent mental health from a recent APA Stress in America™ Survey in 2018-2019, before the pandemic was even an issue.

With many problems around the world such as the pandemic, the climate crisis, and school shootings, it's no wonder that kids and teens anxiety is so high. In response to this, many people have started to volunteer and it shows how people can become happier over time when volunteering. People who volunteer are more satisfied with their lives and reported better mental health according to a study in the Journal of Happiness Studies. The amount you volunteer also makes a difference: people had better mental health when volunteering at least once a month compared to infrequently volunteering.

Volunteering also increases social interaction as well as helps you develop a support system, both which are known to decrease depression. You are putting your time and attention into something else and receiving a sense of satisfaction in what you have accomplished.