You Don’t Have to Do This Alone: The Importance of Community

I worked in public child welfare for a decade and one thing I consistently saw in the families I worked with was that the families who thrived were those with strong support systems.

When I initially met with families, parents often felt isolated, under-resourced, and underserved. They were navigating the challenges of raising children without the emotional or practical support they needed. So, when we set up planning meetings to collaborate on how to best support a child or a family, I’d always encourage parents to invite their natural support systems, people who cared about them but weren’t necessarily paid professionals. This might include friends, neighbors, coworkers or extended family members. 

At the start of a case, many families didn’t know who to turn to for help. But by the time we were closing a case, the families who were successful had built up a network of support they could rely on. It became clear that those who had the right kind of community, whether it was just one person or a whole group, were much more likely to thrive. 

It takes a village. 

I’m not sure where this phrase originates from, but there is so much truth in it. We all need people around us, people we can lean on when faced with challenges, and people who can share in our joy, too. Especially when navigating the ups and downs of parenthood or any big life change, community is essential. 

As a perinatal therapist, I see this need for community in my practice every day. Whether it’s new parents adjusting to the overwhelming transition into parenthood or children working through emotional struggles, building a strong support system is one of the most important things we can do. It’s not just about offering advice or fixing problems; it’s about being there, showing up, and offering a safe space to talk, to vent, or just to be.

For parents, it’s easy to feel like you’re supposed to do it all on your own. The societal pressure to be the "perfect" parent can make you feel like you're failing if you ask for help. But the reality is that parenting, especially in the perinatal period, is not meant to be done alone. The same goes for families with young children or those navigating any sort of difficulty. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or grief, having others to lean on can make all the difference.

So, if you’re feeling isolated, know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Reaching out for help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you strong. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do, not just for yourself, but for your family as well.

Start by identifying your support system. Maybe it’s time to reconnect with old friends, ask a neighbor to help with childcare, or talk to a therapist who can guide you through the process of building that network. It's okay to ask for help.

Because, at the end of the day, we all need a village.