By Jolene Osborne
The past few months have brought many challenges, but they have also highlighted the importance of resilience, connection, and community. In uncertain times, coming together and finding support in one another can make all the difference. Though obstacles may arise, there are always pathways forward, and resources available to help us navigate them.
As parents, staying connected is more important than ever. Whether through friends, family, or welcoming spaces in your community, surrounding yourself with support can be a source of strength. Community is a powerful antidote to crisis—it lifts us up when we need it most.
Hope has been my guiding light, and when I struggle to find it within myself, I turn to the people and groups that provide encouragement and inspiration. Whether it’s advocacy work, an uplifting post online, a creative class, or a shared activity, finding ways to connect can bring renewed energy and purpose. No one has to go through this alone—there are always people and places to turn to.
New Hampshire and the broader online world offer a wealth of opportunities to find community. Organizations like NAMI New Hampshire provide in-person and virtual support groups for individuals and caregivers affected by mental illness. They also host events that encourage self-expression and storytelling, offering safe spaces for healing and connection.
For those who want to take action, advocacy groups like NAMI New Hampshire and others focused on housing, healthcare, and family rights offer platforms to use your voice to create meaningful change. Contributing to causes you care about can instill a sense of empowerment and control, even when life feels unpredictable.
Beyond advocacy, there are countless ways to engage with your community. Across New Hampshire, you’ll find painting and craft classes, dance and movement workshops, book clubs, and even makerspaces where you can access tools like 3D printers. For parents, local libraries can be an incredible resource, offering free or low-cost programs, safe spaces for children, and even discounted museum passes.
If you have access to a local YMCA, consider a family membership to enjoy fitness and swimming together. And of course, New Hampshire’s beautiful outdoors provides endless opportunities to recharge—hiking, skiing, fishing, swimming, and exploring nature all contribute to physical and mental well-being.
Whenever life feels overwhelming, my family has found strength by leaning into joy and community. We boost our mental health at our local area agency by participating in therapy and support groups, bond over game nights and family meals, and seek renewal through nature and creative expression. Volunteering and advocacy give us a sense of purpose, allowing us to give back to the community that has supported us.
Through all of life’s ups and downs, connection and engagement have been our anchors. Whatever challenges arise, know that there is always a path forward—and a community ready to walk it with you.
