Storytelling & support systems
iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj A Support System and Telling Your Story are Both Crucial Building Blocks to Positive Mental Health
Quick Review on Mental health iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Quick Review on Mental health A Person’s Psychological Well-Being Not Just Illness, but How You Respond to the Ups and Downs of Life Mental Health Management Improves Quality of Life
iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj “After nourishment, shelter, and companionship; stories are the thing we need most in life.” - Philip Pullman
Why we need a support system iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Why we need a support system We Can’t do Everything on Our Own We Need Other People and Places of Support Whether or not we are in Crisis
What a support system does iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj What a support system does Creates Higher Levels of Wellbeing Decreases Feelings of Loneliness and Isolation Sharpens our Coping Skills Alleviates Stress Can Reduce Anxiety
Support Systems: The “Who” iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Support Systems: The “Who” Friends Family Mentor Clergy Crisis Line Physician Teacher Pets Church People Coworkers
Support Systems: “The what” iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Support Systems: “The what” Should be People or Places Who: Feel Safe Demonstrate Compassion, Empathy, No Judgement Can be Depended on in Difficult Times Will Give Constructive Criticism and Honest Feedback
Support Systems: “The How” iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Support Systems: “The How” No “One-Size-Fits-All” but You Can… Take Stock of the People You Already Know Identify What You Want Your Support System to Look Like Take on New Activities Be a Friend to Gain a Friend
Importance of Storytelling iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Importance of Storytelling Catharsis Encourages Help-Seeking and Help-Offering Create Our Own Narrative, Others Don’t Define Us Decreases Stigma, Normalizes the Conversation Connectivity to Someone Else Who Can Relate
iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Taking Risk and Telling Stories Helps Us Relate, Breaks Stigma, and Makes it Easier for You and Others to Reach out and Ask for Help
iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj Storytelling Methods Therapy/Group Creative Writing/Journaling Performance/Artistic Expression Keynoting Peer to Peer Counseling