I’ve been in a real downer last few years and it’s only now I figured I’d try out volunteering. I’ve never done it before, and was just wondering if it…yknow…”works”?
I’ve made the first steps by signing to up to https://www.i-vol.ie/. Now I just need to show up.
What’s it like anyway? Any advicd or tips? Anything really, I’d be grateful to read some words about it.
Thanks.
10 comments
I think that’s a great idea! Giving your time up to help others in some way is a selfless act 🙂 and you are caring about other people even though you are going through a tough time yourself – not everyone would do it
I have done volunteering work for the last 3 years and it is something I find very rewarding. I initially started because I wanted experience in dealing with people during my psychology degree – but during this time I was also having my own struggles with mental health.
I find that helping others can help you get out of your own head because the focus is on someone else. It also can help give you a different perspective on your own issues. I have never regretted a day yet during my volunteering, I always go home in a better mood! You learn so much, it can change the way you think and talk to others 🙂
My advice is to give it a go surely, but don’t put yourself under any pressure. You are there to help out for free and dont need to know everything!
I’ve been volunteering for the last several years and would absolutely recommend it. I think it’s really important if the role somehow relates to something you enjoy. It is a nice feeling to be able to help where needed, but it’s even better if it aligns with something you love. For example, I volunteer at my local arts centre, and one of the perks is that if there are events that they have extra tickets for, I can usually get free ones for myself and a guest. That’s perfect for me because I love theatre. I’d also advise to communicate well with the organisation and take the role seriously. Since you’re doing the work for free, there’s no reason to get super stressed about being a bit late because you’re stuck in traffic, but do communicate when stuff like that happens, especially if it means you can’t make it at all. The people coordinating the volunteering will really appreciate it. There have been times when I’ve scheduled myself for a shift at the art gallery but gotten a migraine and had to cancel. They were totally fine with it because I just contacted them and explained my reason.
Most of the volunteer orgs are proscribed under the Offences Against the State Acts, unfortunately
A UK pal of mine’s not great with people, so he volunteers by rehabilitating waterways, rivers, and riverbanks. Another pal of mine volunteered with The Samaritans (and found it deeply stressful, despite the comprehensive training.) You may have to decide what level of interaction with people you want, dependent on how much of an extrovert or introvert you judge yourself to be…
Absolutely recommend.
I’ve been volunteering with my local animal rescue for over 4years and it is SUCH a mood boost. You make amazing friends, you gave great experiences, you find new abilities and skills you never thought you’d have.
It’s satisfying too, to know you are making a difference with just your time.
10/10 recommend!
I do a bit, also suffer from anxiety and depression. It does give me a sense of community and perspective, others are going through worse, I’m helping them, so it helps me value myself. I would say think of a cause or an issue in the country that you genuine care about and would like to help make better. Then look for groups that assist in that area. Hope things get better for you, take care.
Give it a go. If you don’t like then drop it. Depression is a bastard to get out of. Changing things up a bit is a good idea.
Did a bit of it myself, very enjoyable but dont expect it to cure depression. Its often touted as as a way of removing your attention from yourself, which can be helpful at times, but whatevers aching you wont be remedied by volunteering. I say give it a go but also do what you need to do around your own well-being and happiness.
I’m a fairly respectable, well-dressed, 40-something male.
In the past 2 weeks, I’ve visited 2 local SVP retail shops. Both advertising for volunteers.
Both times they said they’d get back to me. Haven’t heard from them since.
Wonderful for having a sense of meaning and helping others
Give them an email to ask would someone have 5 mins to talk about getting involved. See what they say and take it from there