We’ve been talking a lot about community on the Active & Connected Families podcast recently. How getting connected to our community can help us through trauma, that working mothers are struggling with burnout because we have less people to rely on and how social psychology researchers are highlighting the relationship between our individualistic Western culture and feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression.
So this week, I have three young men with me that are true experts on community. Hussein Osman, Said Osman, and Ayat Mohamed are all refugees from Somalia and their Somali Bantu culture is one of inclusiveness, helping and wanting everyone to succeed. I know this because they’ve let me into their family and they are a part of mine. They are my children’s babysitters, their cousins, their uncles and to me they’re my friends or my nephews or my sons. I don’t have the right word for our relationship but I know that it is one of family.
“Community is helping people before they ask for help”
– Hussein Osman
I’ve felt the differences with the American culture and their more collectivist communal stance over the past six years. I truly feel that my family’s relationships with these young men are essential to our mental health. We have developed a true community that is rare in America these days.
So this conversation is about us putting ideas around community into words. Take a listen. I know you’ll learn a lot from this episode, just like I did.
In this episode on community, we cover:
- What community means to them;
- Cultural differences and what we can learn from them;
- Why it is important to make friends with people who are different from you & what this looks like;
- Being intentional about getting to know people;
- And so, so much more!
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More about Virginia Family Therapy
Virginia Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. VFT is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.
Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. You can learn more about our practice or contact us here.
Resources and links mentioned in this episode
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Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.
