The rate of depression has been on the rise for several years, even before COVID-19. A 2018 Blue Cross Blue Shield study found that diagnoses of major depression have risen dramatically by 33% between 2013 – 2016. This rate is growing even faster among millennials (up 47%) and adolescents (up 47% for boys and 65% for girls). Since the pandemic began in early 2020, a JAMA Network study published in September 2020 revealed that the rate of depression tripled among all demographic groups.

Much like our frontline medical workers battling the physical tolls of COVID-19 in emergency rooms and ICUs, mental health professionals are battling the emotional and mental tolls of the pandemic. These professionals incorporate a variety of strategies to help their patients, including appropriate medication and regular therapy. In addition to these procedures, one extremely effective method to battle depression is volunteerism.

Reasons include:

• Volunteerism gives us a sense of purpose as people depend on us
• When we show up (for example, at an animal shelter or a food bank), we immediately see an impact on those we help — reinforcing our value in the world
• Isolated individuals gain a sense of community with others with the same values and interests as you
• Service gives us physical activity, getting us out of bed, and moving our bodies

When Andy was a case worker for a nonprofit helping elderly widowed women, she worked with a 70-year-old lady who was alone and had no family close by. Andy set her up to volunteer at a local animal shelter two days a week, where she would walk the dogs and keep them company. Andy states, “It gave her a sense of purpose and community and self-worth.” Andy could tell during her home visits that she was brighter and happier.