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Experts posit that helping others can have a positive impact on teens' mental health.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering in community programs can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among teens. Engaging in activities that contribute to the community provides teens with a sense of purpose and belonging, which is crucial for their psychological well-being. 

According to Dr. Kevin Lanza, an environmental health scientist at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, young people who volunteer are often in better physical and mental health compared to those who do not. This improvement is linked to the feeling of mattering to those around them, which boosts their psychological well-being.

Physical Health Improvements

Participating in community service not only benefits mental health but also physical health. An early experiment found that tenth graders who volunteered at an elementary school for two months exhibited fewer signs of harmful inflammation and lower levels of obesity compared to their peers who did not volunteer. This shows that volunteering can have a holistic impact on the well-being of teens.

Counteracting Rising Mental Health Issues

The need for effective strategies to address mental health issues among teens is more pressing than ever. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy highlighted an alarming rise in mental health issues among young people, with increasing rates of sadness, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Volunteering can serve as a crucial intervention to help mitigate these issues. 

Dr. Andrew Fuligni, a developmental psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, emphasizes that volunteering helps adolescents feel needed and useful, which are essential aspects of mental health.

Developing Social Connections

Volunteering helps teens build social connections, which are vital for their emotional and social development. Dr. Parissa Ballard of Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that teens who engaged in volunteer work reported a sense of pride and accomplishment, which helped reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Volunteering provides an opportunity for teens to shift their focus away from negative thoughts and build a positive self-image.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

However, volunteering can have downsides if not approached correctly. Dr. Fuligni points out that teens' mental health can suffer if they feel their contributions are devalued due to their gender, racial, or ethnic identity. 

Additionally, feeling forced to volunteer can be detrimental. It is important for teens to choose meaningful volunteer opportunities that align with their interests and values. Adults can support this by offering a range of options and ensuring that volunteer organizations provide positive experiences.