Our mental health is influenced by more than what happens in a doctor’s office. The places where we spend our time, the people we interact with, and the opportunities we have to connect play an important role in our well-being. One concept that highlights the value of these connections is the idea of a “third place.”
What is a “Third Place”?
A third place is “an essential component of an area’s social infrastructure.” They are the broad collection of physical places, facilities, environments, streetscapes, organizations, and institutions that facilitate social connection.
Informally, it’s the place you go to spend time when you don’t want to be at home, work, or school. It is a place to connect with other people, the community, and your interests.
First defined by Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place, it was described a way to have a balanced and happy life in an informal setting. For an adult, this may be a café, gym, or senior center. For a child, extracurricular activities/clubs, after-school programs, and playgrounds are third places. Plenty of third places are available for people of all ages, including places of worship, libraries, parks, and recreation centers.
There are also third places that are formally designed for specific identities and experiences (ex. VFWs, Women’s Clubs) and informally but deeply tied to identities and cultural backgrounds (ex. barber shops and beauty salons within Black communities).
Why are Third Places Important?
For children, third places have shown to help in building self-confidence, learning emotional regulation skills, and increasing interpersonal competence. Data has also shown that children who are active in a third place have lower rates of dropping out of high school.
For adults overall, third places contribute to a sense of civic pride, improve trust between people, and cultivate an environment that is more accepting of diversity. They aid in reducing feelings of loneliness, boosting your mood, and reducing stress, making them positive for your mental health.
Finding Your Own Third Place
If you’re interested in finding your own third place, try finding a space that is low cost, welcoming, and conducive to meeting other people. It should facilitate a feeling of neutrality and equality amongst participants, and differences in wealth, job titles, clothing, etc. do not matter or prevent participation.
For people with mobility or transportation limitations, there are also opportunities online (ex. gaming platforms, online forums, online support groups). Apps and websites such as MeetUp, Eventbrite, and Facebook Groups/Events can also be helpful in exploring what’s available in your area. It may take a mix of research, time, and effort to find the right fit for you!
When You Need More Support
Community and connection can play an important role in our mental health, but they aren’t always enough on their own. If stress, loneliness, anxiety, or other challenges affect you daily, Behavioral Health support can provide another place to turn.
Avance Care offers Behavioral Health services designed to support your mental and emotional well-being. Our team can help you work through challenges, develop healthy coping strategies, and build the skills you need to feel your best.
