The Power of Belonging in Recovery: Building Social Supports for Mental Health Providers

In our individualistic society, internal strength and resilience are often emphasized, yet research has demonstrated that healing becomes more sustainable with the support of others. A supportive network of family, friends, peers, and providers who encourage acceptance, healing, and growth can truly make a difference in a person’s recovery journey. Healthy relationships can create an environment where individuals can heal and thrive. Recovery is fundamentally about fostering connections and breaking the isolation that often accompanies mental health challenges.

In the final week of National Recovery Month, we focus our attention on the fourth major dimension of recovery: community. Along with health, home, and purpose, these four dimensions form the foundation that supports individuals in living healthy, independent lives and reaching their full potential. Meaningful relationships foster healing and reinforce the importance of human relationships to our health and well-being. A strong sense of community is essential for anyone who’s working to overcome mental health and substance use disorders.

In addition to community, a sense of belonging is also at the heart of the recovery journey, as SAMHSA’s key messages highlight. Brene Brown says, “Any discussion of belonging has to start with acknowledging that love and belonging are irreducible needs for all people.” Belonging is more than just feeling accepted—it’s about being deeply connected and accepted by the people we surround ourselves with. Brene Brown goes further to say, “We have to belong to ourselves as much as we need to belong to others. Any belonging that asks us to betray ourselves is not true belonging.” True belonging is a journey that requires self-awareness, authenticity, self-acceptance, and vulnerability.

Research consistently shows that a strong sense of belonging has significant benefits for mental health. It helps alleviate feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and even physical ailments like hypertension and sleep disruption. In addition, community and belonging are fundamental during times of stress and trauma. The way people show up and care for us in our darkest hour has an impact on how we heal. When we feel seen and heard, and our experiences are acknowledged with love, care, and compassion, it can profoundly impact our healing journey. This shared human connection also builds resilience, helping individuals recover from trauma and adversity.

Shame and guilt are powerful emotions often experienced by individuals with mental and substance use disorders, intensifying feelings of isolation and self-judgment. Feeling accepted and loved by their community can be pivotal for those navigating recovery. Encouraging social participation, whether through family, friends, or peer support groups, helps individuals rebuild connections that serve as a foundation for healing from shame and guilt.

Given the powerful link between belonging, shame, and guilt, the challenges of social connection become even more pronounced for marginalized groups. Barriers such as discrimination in housing, employment, and social settings can hinder access to vital resources necessary for comprehensive recovery. By shifting the focus toward shared experiences and emphasizing community over individual struggles, mental health providers can help close the gap in disparities and foster a stronger sense of belonging for those who have been historically excluded. This is where mental health professionals have a unique role to play—helping individuals reframe their challenges within a context of shared humanity. Encouraging clients to view their struggles not as personal failings but as part of the broader human experience can cultivate a more profound sense of belonging and resilience.

There are practical ways to help individuals foster social belonging at home or in broader community settings. At home, meaningful connections can be nurtured through activities like cooking, engaging in shared hobbies, or setting aside time for intentional conversations. Outside of the house, virtual platforms have proven to be a lifeline for many; social media, online support groups, and virtual events like yoga classes or book clubs can promote a sense of community when in-person interactions aren’t possible. However, it’s important to encourage clients to prioritize in-person connections when safe, as physical presence often adds a level of connection that can’t be fully replicated online.

In addition, fostering a sense of belonging is intertwined with loving oneself and developing healthy relationships. Encouraging individuals to cultivate self-compassion and self-acceptance enhances their ability to connect with others authentically. Participating in community events, peer groups, or volunteering can further help individuals feel more integrated into their surroundings and reinforce the importance of healthy, supportive relationships in their lives. These connections not only strengthen their sense of belonging but also promote resilience and overall well-being.

Recovery isn’t just about reducing symptoms—it’s about integrating individuals into a supportive environment where they feel valued and connected. Isolation can worsen mental health challenges, making it harder to stay on the path of recovery. As mental health providers, our work goes beyond addressing symptoms. It’s about helping clients build a life worth living, one that includes meaningful relationships, a sense of purpose, and belonging to a community that uplifts them. Social inclusion and community participation are not just nice-to-haves—they are essential for mental health recovery. When we foster a sense of belonging, we create an environment where recovery can thrive. As we continue our work this week, let’s remain focused on the power of belonging. It may just be the key to unlocking deeper recovery for those we serve.

References

Brown, B. (2021). Atlas of the heart: Mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience. Random House.

Doroud, N., Fossey, E., & Fortune, T. (2018). Place for being, doing, becoming and belonging: A meta-synthesis exploring the role of place in mental health recovery. Health & Place, 52, 110–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.05.008

Penfold, K. L., & Ogden, J. (2024). The Role of Social Support and Belonging in Predicting Recovery from Problem Gambling. Journal of gambling studies, 40(2), 775–792. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10225-y

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). National Recovery Month 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Recovery Month Toolkit. https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month/toolkit

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2012). SAMHSA’s Working Definition of Recovery. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep12-recdef.pdf

Slavich, G. M., Roos, L. G., & Zaki, J. (2022). Social belonging, compassion, and kindness: Key ingredients for fostering resilience, recovery, and growth from the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, stress, and coping, 35(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615806.2021.1950695

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