Nurturing Mental Wellness Together

By Public Relations Specialist Erik Judson

Spring is arriving in Southcentral Alaska. As the temperature rises and a sense of renewal awakens in Anchorage, consider what steps you can take on your path to wellness. This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, consider if a supportive community setting could enhance your mental health journey.

Southcentral Foundation offers a range of learning circles and other support options to the community, from clinical settings to casual gatherings, addressing a variety of topics. One advantage to attending learning circles is receiving support from peers.

Engaging with others facing similar challenges can provide valuable peer support that may not be found in individual therapies.

SCF Psychologist Terri Draper, of Koyukon Athabascan and Unangan descent, leads some supportive community settings and encourages members of the community to attend if they are experiencing loneliness or seeking more social rituals in their life.

“You get a sense of belonging with that feeling of ‘I’m not alone,’” Draper said. “Getting a variety of perspectives, too, can be neat from your own peers.”

Some learning circles take a clinical approach, providing attendees tools or developing skills to respond to challenging situations in life. These education-based groups might feel like attending a class at school.

“The point is to learn information, learn about mental health, and to go through the handouts and curriculum where you walk away with concrete tools to manage stress,” Draper shared.

Other settings are more casual, encouraging participants to share stories and experiences to better relate to each other and collaborate in exploring possible solutions. Depending on the topic, some sessions may include both methods of learning, adjusting to suit the needs of the attendees. Depending on the topic, some groups may include both methods of learning, adjusting to suit the needs of the attendees.

SCF offers a variety of support options open to everyone in the community. Topics include mindfulness and parenting among many others. Other closed support options require a referral, such as art therapy or dialectical behavior therapy and award participants with a certificate upon completion. Whatever the topic, SCF surveys the needs of the community and takes suggestions into account when developing programs.

Draper encourages people to join if they feel anxious, lonely, or otherwise need support.

“It is amazing to see the personal growth experienced by people who engage in peer support,” Draper said.

For more information about learning circles, connect with your primary care team or behavioral health provider.