The Young Minds Charity estimates that about 195,000 young people have an anxiety disorder, whilst 62,000 aged 11-16 year-olds are seriously depressed. Whilst these figures are shocking, it has been proven that fundraising and altruism (helping others) might actually help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The Mental Health Foundation has reported that helping others actually causes positive changes in the brain, releasing endorphins (the hormones that reduce stress and enhance pleasure) which then activate parts of our brain that are associated with trust, pleasure and social connection. Altruistic acts may also decrease pain as endorphins are powerful natural painkillers.
Emotions that are related to altruism such as compassion, may help stabilise the immune system against the damaging effects of stress too.
Fundraising can also help you to build a social network with others, which reduces feelings of isolation. Not only that but it puts life in perspective, giving you a chance to focus on something other than your own problems for a little while.
Helping others in turn helps you to feel pride and a sense of achievement, turning negative feelings about yourself into positive ones!
For more information visit
www.youngminds.org.uk
www.mentalhealth.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation has reported that helping others actually causes positive changes in the brain, releasing endorphins (the hormones that reduce stress and enhance pleasure) which then activate parts of our brain that are associated with trust, pleasure and social connection. Altruistic acts may also decrease pain as endorphins are powerful natural painkillers.
Emotions that are related to altruism such as compassion, may help stabilise the immune system against the damaging effects of stress too.
Fundraising can also help you to build a social network with others, which reduces feelings of isolation. Not only that but it puts life in perspective, giving you a chance to focus on something other than your own problems for a little while.
Helping others in turn helps you to feel pride and a sense of achievement, turning negative feelings about yourself into positive ones!
For more information visit
www.youngminds.org.uk
www.mentalhealth.org.uk