We have talked a lot about mental health in previous issues of Invested. This is because at Viewpoint Foundation we have a vision of Calgarians in mental health crises having equal access to humane, compassionate, and competent supports, regardless of the nature of their crisis. And we aim to reduce harmful outcomes of mental health crises for individuals, families, and communities.

We see this vision being achieved through two main avenues:

1. Promoting natural supports through knowledge, skills, and community assets that can improve daily living conditions and overall well-being.
   1. In order to help weather the challenges of daily life and recognize, manage, and prevent the harms associated with untreated and worsening mental problems and disorders, we want to support programs that build positive mental health competencies in those suffering from mental health challenges, their families, and friends.
2. Expanding the diversity and availability of “anyone, anywhere, anytime” crisis supports that promote hope and recovery and enable more individuals to choose to “stay safe for now.”
   1. We want to make progress in the following areas:
      1. Providing spaces designed to divert people who don’t need medically supported care away from ERs and hospitals to community-based alternatives;
      2. Expanding treatments delivered within the ERs for patients waiting for a bed; and,
      3. Enhancing supports that can de-escalate an emerging crisis and prevent the need for intensive interventions.

This post for Invested aims to explore our first avenue and disseminate the concept of "natural supports" to our audience. Stay tuned next month for an in-depth look at the three areas of crisis support Viewpoint Foundation sees as critical to the advancement of mental health care.

The recognition of natural supports, which refer to the assistance and resources individuals receive from their social networks, is growing in the field of mental health care. These informal, locally developed connections are based on reciprocity that distinguishes them from formal professional supports that explicitly involve the delivery of services. Natural supports come from family, friends, peers, and community organizations and provide emotional, informational, and practical help to the general population, with a particular focus on individuals with mental health issues. While natural supports cannot replace formal mental health services, they have the potential to complement and enhance overall outcomes.

Understanding Natural Supports

The term "natural supports" was initially introduced by Nisbet Hagner in 1988 to emphasize the significance of actively utilizing family and community relationships to assist young individuals with developmental disabilities during their transition to adulthood. Since then, this approach has been integrated into practice models aimed at supporting diverse vulnerable youth populations, including those who are incarcerated, homeless, in care, struggling with mental illnesses, or have severe behavioural issues or emotional disturbances. Natural supports play a crucial role in fostering resilience, promoting social integration, and facilitating positive development among these youth. Regrettably, many of these support systems have been damaged or disrupted for this population, resulting in distrust of new, safe members being introduced into their networks. (Change Collective, 2019)

Communities can be naturally supportive when there is active participation of individuals, organizations, groups, and businesses who come together to foster a strong sense of belonging and connectedness. Their aim is to provide people with the necessary tools to navigate the everyday challenges of life. Having this type of robust support system can deeply impact a person's life. Research has consistently shown that individuals who have diverse relationships and actively engage in social activities tend to enjoy better health and longevity compared to those who lack such support. (Change Collective, 2019)

While this concept of natural supports seems intuitive, it is not always put into practice effectively. Research suggests that even though practitioners understand the significance of natural supports, they often struggle to engage them in a meaningful way. Although there is growing evidence highlighting the positive impact of natural supports on youth development, there is still much work to be done on the actual implementation of helping young people identify, strengthen, and expand their social networks. (Change Collective, 2019)

In the literature, natural supports are typically categorized into two types: bonding and bridging relationships. Bonding represents the strong connections we have with people who we share a close history with. These relationships create a deep sense of belonging and security. Bridging represents weaker, but just as crucial, connections, because they introduce diversity into our networks through mentors, teachers, and coaches. These types of relationships help individuals access information and resources beyond what their bonding group can provide. (Change Collective, 2019)

Enhancing Mental Health Outcomes

Extensive evidence highlights the significant impact of natural supports on mental health outcomes, as they play a crucial role in fostering resilience, social integration, and positive development among young people, as well as alleviating the effects of stress, lowering the risk of depression and anxiety, and improving adherence to treatment. While professional assistance is important, it cannot stand alone as a sustainable solution. Prolonged periods of isolation and limited connections can result in emotional and developmental harm, emphasizing the harmful consequences of loneliness. By providing emotional support, natural supports act as a protective barrier against mental health issues, leading to reduced symptoms, improved functioning, and an enhanced quality of life. (Change Collective, 2019)

Research underscores the profound influence of a solid support system on an individual's life. Studies consistently demonstrate that individuals with diverse relationships and involvement in various social activities lead healthier and longer lives compared to those lacking such support. Unfortunately, research also reveals that individuals with mental illnesses may have social networks that are toxic or only half the size of those in the general population. (UPenn, n.d.)

Practical Assistance and Accessibility

Natural supports go beyond just offering emotional aid. They also provide practical assistance in various areas like transportation, housing, employment, and financial management. These types of support are particularly beneficial for individuals who have limited access to formal mental health services, especially those living in rural or low-income communities. By utilizing natural supports, people can receive the necessary help and resources to effectively address their mental health needs. (Connections First, 2023)

Limitations and Challenges

While natural supports can be beneficial, they are not always readily available or adequate, and there are instances where they can actually worsen mental health issues. Negative social interactions, like criticism or rejection, can escalate the risk of mental health problems. Furthermore, marginalized or stigmatized populations often face limited access to supportive networks, further complicating their mental health care. (Kozhukhar, Brooke, Hayes, & Miller, 2022)

To address the barriers to natural supports, it is important to utilize existing resources and learn from successful campaigns, such as the social snacking* initiative by Alberta's Natural Supports Leadership Table. By promoting a common language for natural supports and sharing effective strategies, we can engage funders, city planners, community partners, and land professionals in advocating for a natural supports movement. (Connections First, 2023)

Inclusion and virtual engagement should be key considerations when developing a system of natural supports. The system should cater to a diverse range of individual needs and simultaneously emphasize that every person has the potential to become a natural support for someone else. To foster awareness about the benefits of natural supports, it is crucial to distribute research findings and information. This can help build confidence in the approach and encourage its wider adoption. (Kozhukhar, Brooke, Hayes, & Miller, 2022)

The Importance of Context and Adaptability

In essence, a natural supports approach defies a one-size-fits-all approach. It acknowledges that everyone has their own distinct context of history, personal qualities, and circumstances that necessitate personalized attention. Rather than following a predetermined set of actions, practitioners must flexibly adapt their methods to suit the specific needs and strengths of each person they work with. (Change Collective, 2019)

To fully embrace the potential of a natural supports approach, it is essential to integrate it into a comprehensive strategy for promoting mental health. By emphasizing the role of natural supports alongside other interventions, such as therapy or medication, a more holistic and inclusive approach can be achieved. This recognition of the power of natural supports as integral components of mental health care ensures that individuals receive tailored and effective support that aligns with their unique circumstances and needs. (Change Collective, 2019)

Evolutionary Significance and Psychological Well-being

As social beings, humans have a deep-rooted inclination to form connections with others. Throughout our evolutionary journey, belonging to a group became crucial for our early ancestors, who faced the perils of a dangerous world. Consequently, even today, the experience of being rejected by peers or family can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. Our innate drive for group membership underscores the importance of relationships with family, friends, and the community. These connections play a fundamental role in shaping our identity, fostering a sense of belonging, and contributing to our overall satisfaction with life. (Change Collective, 2019)

Naturally supportive communities bring together individuals, organizations, groups, and businesses to create an environment that nurtures a sense of belonging and connection. Their primary goal is to provide people with the tools they need to effectively handle the challenges of everyday life. By cultivating a culture of natural support, these communities are better equipped to address mental health issues.

In the realm of mental health care, natural supports are crucial. They serve as valuable resources that can greatly contribute to promoting mental well-being. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize efforts aimed at strengthening and mobilizing these resources. By incorporating them into a comprehensive approach, we can effectively promote mental health and overall well-being. (Change Collective, 2019)

*Social snacking is a brief and informal positive interaction in daily events, which contributes to happiness, a sense of belonging and identity, and helps to build naturally supportive communities. (Connections First, 2023)

Bibliography

(2023). Retrieved from https://www.connectionsfirst.ca/

Collaborative on Community Integration, UPenn. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://d20wqiibvy9b23.cloudfront.net/resources/resources/000/000/688/original/U_Penn_-_Natural_Supports.pdf?1468805955

Kozhukhar, M., Brooke, S., Hayes, H., & Miller, J. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.mtroyal.ca/nonprofit/InstituteforCommunityProsperity/_pdfs/Mykhailo-Kozhukhar_Scholarly-Output.pdf

The Change Collective. (2019). (rep.). Working with Vulnerable Youth to Enhance their Natural Supports: A Practice Framework (pp. 1–95). Calgary, Alberta.