Friendship, connection, and community are significant in maintaining mental well-being. As many sorority women have experienced, joining a sisterhood is often a great place they find these elements. Dr. Christina Watlington, a licensed psychologist, defines sisterhood as an emotional bond between women.
Friendship
Joining a sisterhood provides lifelong friendships built on mutual values and beliefs that create bonds for life. According to the Mayo Clinic, good friends can reduce stress, improve confidence and self-worth, and boost happiness. Dr. Watlington points to female friendships as a source of the feel-good chemical oxytocin. She writes that women seek the company of other women in times of stress, which leads to the release of oxytocin. As a result, women experience lowering levels of anxiety and strengthened bonds.
Connection
Bonding leads to connection. The deep connection among sisters provides a strong feeling of belonging. Additionally, connecting with a sorority offers a sense of purpose and motivation through philanthropic engagement and leadership opportunities. According toresearcherand storyteller Brene Brown, “Connection is why we’re here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it’swhat gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” As women age and experience life transitions, deep-seated connections continue to offer value and provide grounding in members’ lives. Dr. Watlington writes that women are hard-wired to crave close friendships, which develop feelings of safety, love, and acceptance.
Community
Being a sorority member offers several layers of community, which is important to feel supported, and can also help to form identity. Psychology Today reports that people who are part of strong communities tend to have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of obesity. They are also more likely to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. In fact, according to Dr. Watlington, women in community develop fewer physical impairments with age, leading to longer, more joyful lives surrounded by friends.
In combination, friendship, connection, and community serve as strong foundations for mental wellness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) identifies concrete steps to be proactive about mental health. In most cases, they can be practiced within chapters or among closest friends.
Steps for managing mental health include:
– Managing time
– Practicing relaxation
– Daily movement and exercise
– Prioritizing sleep
– Choosing a balanced diet
– Staying hydrated
– Practicing gratitude
Though this list can feel overwhelming on a daily basis, especially with the other demands of life, choosing some of the steps, and working together with sisters to be accountable, can create a community where holistic wellness is prioritized.
On this World Mental Health Day, hug a sister, take a walk, and have a healthy dinner. Remember you are never alone.
If you are struggling with mental health concerns and need additional resources, please visit:
https://findtreatment.gov/ or visit your campus counseling center for services, group therapy, or referrals.