It Takes a Village: The Power of Connection in Supporting Your Mental Health

By Michelle Button, LCSW-R, PMH-C

We’ve all heard the saying, “It takes a village.” Often, it’s used in the context of raising children, but the truth is, we all need a village—at every stage of life. In today’s fast-paced world, where independence is often celebrated over interdependence, many women find themselves feeling isolated in their struggles. Whether navigating career stress, motherhood, relationships, or personal growth, having a supportive community is essential to our mental well-being.

We’re Wired for Connection

As human beings, we are inherently social creatures. Our nervous systems are designed to seek connection—it helps regulate stress, process emotions, and foster resilience. Studies have shown that strong social support can reduce anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, and even enhance physical health.

For women, in particular, connection plays a profound role in mental health. Research suggests that women often cope with stress through tend and befriend behaviors—seeking out relationships and emotional support to manage challenges. In contrast, isolation can heighten feelings of anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout.

The Cost of Isolation

Despite the importance of connection, many women experience loneliness—especially during major life transitions. Motherhood, divorce, career changes, grief, and even personal growth can create a sense of disconnection. When we feel alone in our struggles, our inner critic gets louder, and the weight of our emotions can feel unbearable.

Loneliness isn’t just an emotional experience; it has real consequences for mental and physical health. Studies have linked social isolation to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even chronic illness. The longer we go without meaningful connection, the harder it can be to reach out for support.

Building Your Village: Ways to Cultivate Connection

The good news? Connection is always within reach, even when it feels distant. Here are a few ways to build and strengthen your support system:

1. Seek Out a Supportive Community

Whether it’s a close group of friends, a support group, or a women-centered mental health practice, surrounding yourself with people who see you and understand you is crucial. Group therapy and community gatherings provide a space to share experiences, find validation, and heal together.

2. Nurture Meaningful Relationships

Quality over quantity matters when it comes to connection. Focus on deepening relationships with those who uplift, support, and truly listen. Prioritize conversations that go beyond surface-level check-ins and allow for vulnerability.

3. Be Willing to Receive Support

Many women are natural caregivers, always offering support to others but struggling to receive it themselves. Remember: allowing yourself to be cared for is just as important as caring for others. Letting people in is an act of self-love, not weakness.

4. Join Spaces That Align With Your Needs

If you’re feeling isolated, consider joining a local or online group that aligns with your interests, values, or struggles. Whether it’s a women’s circle, a creative workshop, a parenting group, or a mental health support group, shared experiences foster meaningful connections.

5. Reach Out—Even When It’s Hard

When we’re struggling, our instinct can be to withdraw. But often, the simple act of reaching out—a text, a call, an invitation for coffee—can break the cycle of loneliness and remind us that we’re not alone.

You Are Not Meant to Do It Alone

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Strength isn’t about enduring everything on your own—it’s about knowing when to lean on others. Your village is out there. Whether through friendships, community support, or professional mental health care, connection is the foundation for emotional well-being.

If you’re looking for a space to feel supported, heard, and understood, we are here for you. Together, we can build the village that supports you. You don’t have to walk this journey alone.