The feeling of belonging to a group is important for humans. We need to feel like we belong somewhere. When a person experiences this belonging, they may experience joy, happiness, acceptance, security, and safety.
What happens when you belong to a group but don't feel like you fit in? How does it affect your mental health and well-being? Let's discuss it further.
Community Denial of Complexity
When you exist within a community that denies your complexity, it means that the people around you do not acknowledge or understand the various facets of who you are as a person. It could be due to prejudices, fear, ignorance, or simply because they have never met someone like you before. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, frustration, anger, and sadness. You may find yourself constantly trying to justify your existence and prove that you belong despite being denied. You may also feel misunderstood, misrepresented, and undervalued. All these factors add up and take their toll on your mental health and emotional stability.
Social Consequences
Being denied by a community can cause social consequences such as:
1. Lack of empathy from others - since you are seen as an outcast, you will not receive much support from those around you. They might even avoid you or treat you with disdain.
2. Loss of friendships/relationships - if you cannot relate to the people around you, then there is no point in maintaining a friendship. You may end up losing friends, colleagues, or acquaintances altogether.
3. Low self-esteem - feeling less than others causes low self-esteem and self-worth. You may start questioning yourself and your worthiness which leads to depression and anxiety.
4. Isolation - when you don't fit into any group, you might become isolated. This leads to increased feelings of loneliness and lack of purpose.
5. Anger - denial makes one angry at the system. You might get mad at society for not accepting you for who you are.
Emotional Consequences
The emotional consequences include:
1. Fear and anxiety - fear of rejection and judgment can lead to constant worry and anxiety.
2. Depression - being constantly rejected by others can lead to depression.
3. Suicidal thoughts - in severe cases, this denial can make someone want to give up on life.
4. Self-harm - some individuals harm themselves due to the pain they experience.
5. Social withdrawal - sometimes it becomes too hard to deal with the situation, so the person tries to isolate themselves from others.
Coping Mechanisms
One way to cope with community denial is to seek out like-minded communities where you feel accepted and understood. It would help if you also tried to educate those around you about your needs, wants, and beliefs. It would be best if you didn't let their opinions define you but instead, focus on what matters most to you. Remember that you are enough as you are and don't need anyone else's validation. Seek professional help if needed.
What are the social and emotional consequences of existing within a community that denies your complexity?
Social and emotional isolation is often a consequence for individuals who exist within communities where their complexity is denied. In such an environment, one may feel outcasted, unworthy, and excluded from various opportunities. This can lead to negative impact on self-esteem, as well as feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.