Mental Health Support In HOAs: Making It Available For The Community

Mental health support in HOAs is a vital component of community well-being that is often overlooked. Understanding and prioritizing the mental health of residents, though, is essential to a harmonious community, and there are a few things HOAs can do to offer support.

The Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic threw everyone off-axis. People around the globe were forced to make significant changes to their daily lives. While things have largely returned to normal, there is no doubt that the pandemic has left a lasting impact.

In community associations, this impact is palpable. Residents face several challenges, including finding time to balance their careers from home and remote learning for their kids. This leaves both community managers and board members with more demanding responsibilities while still juggling their personal and professional lives.

The shift has surely taken a toll on the mental and emotional states of HOA members. “Mental health issues aren’t new to community associations, but the pandemic has heightened these feelings and behaviors,” Matt D. Ober, a lawyer and a fellow at CAI’s College of Community Associations Lawyers, points out. It has become overwhelming for many managers and board members.”

While the prevalence of mental health issues existed even prior to the pandemic, there’s no denying that the global health crisis contributed to its exacerbation. According to Mental Health America, 19% of adults were grappling with mental illness before COVID-19 hit. In the midst of the pandemic itself, a whopping 48% of adults aged 25-49 experienced anxiety and/or depression.

How to Provide Mental Health Support in HOAs

Given the importance of mental health, community managers and board members can do their part to bring awareness and provide support to those who need it. Here are a few ways to give HOA mental health support.

1. Communicate Frequently

Living in an HOA has several benefits, including feeling a sense of belonging and community. Community managers and board members can foster this feeling and offer support by communicating with residents regularly. Use the available channels and resources, such as email, newsletters, and HOA websites, to temper expectations.

2. Adopt an Open Attitude

Although the spotlight on mental health is more apparent today, it’s no secret that there is still some stigmatization surrounding it. Some people are accepting, while others retain a negative view of mental health issues. This negativity can cause people to feel hesitant about admitting their mental health problems and asking for help. As such, community managers and board members must maintain an open attitude.

3. Learn to Identify Behaviors

Community managers and board members should also learn to identify the behaviors associated with more serious mental health issues. These include threatening behaviors, shouting, hoarding, property damage, and trespassing. That being said, it’s best to be cautious and refrain from drawing conclusions or making assumptions about people.

4. Familiarize Yourself With Local Mental Health Organizations

There are many local mental health organizations and agencies that offer support services. Community managers and board members should familiarize themselves with these organizations and even publish relevant information on the HOA website. For example, if an organization offers mental health counseling in HOAs, managers and board members can post details on the website or in common areas.

5. Integrate Mental Health in Your Emergency Response Plan

Emergency response plans are critical to the continuous success of any community association. Such plans, though, should be inclusive. Thus, when developing a plan, community managers and board members should consider the needs of residents with mental health and physical or mobility issues, provided such issues have been disclosed to the HOA.

6. Start Health-Related Programs

A healthy lifestyle can positively affect a person’s emotional and mental well-being. A good way to encourage residents to start living more healthily is by organizing health-related initiatives within the community.

Some of the easiest initiatives include planning health-related seminars and workshops, publishing health-related resources on the community website, and organizing healthy cooking classes. Board members and managers can also put together exercise classes or walking clubs. These things can bring awareness to mental health issues while encouraging residents to live more healthily.

7. Educate Residents

Education is essential when it comes to promoting mental health in planned communities. When residents understand how to live healthily, they can take the necessary steps to change their lifestyles. Community managers and board members can organize talks on nutrition, stress reduction, and mental health by connecting with professionals.

Several organizations provide mental health support programs in HOAs. These organizations can connect associations with experts in the industry and plan seminars or talks. They can also provide valuable information and resources to promote health and wellness.

8. Encourage Social Interaction

Social interaction is a key part of promoting the overall well-being of residents in an HOA. Community managers and board members can encourage social interaction by organizing events and activities. These events can unite residents and open the door to more meaningful relationships within the community.

There are several events and activities that an HOA can organize. These include block parties, social dinners, game days, and even simple movie nights. Better yet, board members can combine social events with health initiatives through dance classes, yoga classes, and walking clubs.

Word of Caution on Mental Health Support in HOAs

Clearly, mental health is important, and HOAs can make valuable contributions by providing support. However, board members and community managers should never offer direct services or assistance to residents. Doing this could make the association vulnerable to liability, as it puts managers and board members in the position of a caregiver.

Instead, HOA leaders should inform residents about the local organizations and professionals they can turn to if they need help. Leave the diagnosis, advice, and treatment options to qualified people.

The Final Word

Communities should remove the stigma around mental illness and be more accepting. Managers and board members can do that by educating the community and providing mental health support in HOAs. Of course, one misstep could lead to liability claims, so it is best to consult a lawyer when doubt sets in.

Look for qualified lawyers and HOA management companies to help your homeowners association or condominium. Use our online directory today!

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