Mental health is a journey that’s deeply personal and always unique. In this journey, while professional care like therapy and medication often take the spotlight, there’s another crucial aspect shaping our path to wellness – natural supports.
This kind of help doesn’t come with instalment plans. We’re talking about the stuff that gets us through the day – the impromptu calls with friends who can make us laugh even when we’ve been sulking all day, the quiet companionship of a pet who couldn’t care less about our job title, and yes, even those moments of zen we get from folding laundry or hitting the gym.
Before you roll your eyes and dismiss this as another “just take a walk in the park” pep talk, we’ll set the record straight: This isn’t about ignoring professional mental health care. Therapy, medication, and all forms of professional interventions are part of the story. The rest of the narrative is written in the everyday language of our lives, in the connections and resources we often take for granted.
What are natural supports in mental health?
Natural supports refer to the non-clinical forms of assistance we receive in our daily lives. These include the emotional, social, and practical resources inherent in our relationships and activities.
They’re not prescribed by a therapist nor found in a pill; instead, they exist in the comforting routine of our daily lives, in the compassionate words of a friend, and in the shared experiences within our communities.
They provide a sense of safety and belonging, reminding us that we are not alone in our successes and in our struggles. By harnessing these natural supports, we can enhance our mental health and foster resilience.
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Types of natural supports
Awareness of the importance of natural supports is the first step in leveraging them effectively. Building and maintaining these supports can significantly impact our ability to cope with mental health challenges and enhance our overall wellbeing.
1. Family and friends
The bedrock of most natural support systems is family and friends. From a simple chat over coffee to a shoulder to cry on, the support from loved ones is invaluable.
They’re often the first to notice changes in our mood or behaviour, offering a safety net in times of need. These relationships can be a source of encouragement, a sounding board for our thoughts and feelings, and a comforting presence in times of distress.
2. Community support
Beyond immediate personal relationships, broader community connections also serve as natural supports. This includes neighbours, colleagues, online forums, and members of clubs or groups we belong to.
Social integration provides a sense of purpose, belonging, and connection to something greater than ourselves. Connecting with others who understand our experiences can be transformative.
3. Animals
The inclusion of animals in the framework of mental health adds a rich layer of therapeutic potential.
Regular interaction with pets, such as dogs and cats, is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They provide unconditional love and comfort, which can be particularly soothing in difficult times.
At Highlands Centre for Healing, we offer animal-assisted therapy – in particular, equine therapy – which involves guided interaction with horses and a holistic therapist. Equine therapy helps individuals dealing with a range of mental health issues, including trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Horses, with their intuitive and sensitive nature, can mirror our emotions, offering a unique reflection of our inner state that’s harder to find in human interactions. This can lead to breakthroughs in self-awareness and emotional regulation. They don’t judge. They don’t offer unwanted advice. They’re just there with you, in the here and now, which is something we’re all seeking in this hyperconnected yet oddly disconnected world.
4. Self-care and relaxation practices
Self-care encompasses the activities we engage in to maintain and improve our mental health. This includes physical activities, hobbies, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness practices.
These activities empower us to take control of our mental health, providing a sense of accomplishment and peace.
The interplay with traditional mental health treatments
Natural supports are not a substitute for professional mental health care, but they play a complementary role.
While therapy and medications are important for addressing specific mental health issues, natural supports provide continuous, everyday comfort and understanding. They help ground the lessons of therapy in real-life contexts and offer practical, emotional support that medications alone cannot provide. The synergy between natural supports and professional care creates a more holistic approach to mental health.
Tips on getting started with your mental health journey
Integrating natural supports into your mental health journey begins with self-reflection and action. Here are some steps to get started:
- Cultivate relationships: Nurture your connections with loved ones. Share your experiences, express your needs, and engage in meaningful conversations. Building a support network takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable.
- Embrace nature and green spaces: Spend time in nature, whether it’s a walk in the park, hiking in the wilderness, or tending to a small garden. Research shows that exposure to nature can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall wellbeing. You may also opt for a spiritual retreat to rejuvenate your soul.
- Explore community support services: Investigate local community centres, support groups, or online platforms focused on mental health. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide validation, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
- Practice relaxation techniques: Incorporate relaxation techniques into your routine. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy can help promote inner calm and reduce anxiety.
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Take the next step towards mental wellness
Your mental health journey can go beyond the therapist’s office.
It’s also in the small, seemingly mundane things we do and the relationships we nurture. It’s the video calls with friends who’ve known us since we had questionable fashion sense, the dog that’s ecstatic whenever we come home, and the sense of calm we find in our little bedtime rituals.
These aren’t just niceties – they’re necessities. They keep us grounded, remind us we’re human, and give us a sense of normalcy in a world that often feels anything but.
Keep in mind that everyone’s journey is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to find the natural supports that resonate with you and align with your values and needs. If you’d like to explore your options for natural supports, take a look at the holistic healing offerings we have in the Southern Highlands.
About the Highlands Centre for Healing
We offer holistic wellbeing for mind, body and soul bringing together a range of alternative, complementary wellbeing practices united by one single intention – to help you heal and find wellness. Join us for community or corporate group programs, workshops and retreats, or private equine therapy experiences.
