Question

The concept of natural supports comes up a lot when working with individuals who have mental health issues and/or physical disabilities. Explain what natural supports are and then give some examples of times in your life when you or your loved ones have accessed natural supports during a challenging time.

Answer 1

Natural supports are driven by interpersonal relationships and they are of a reciprocal nature. These are supports that one builds through relationships with family, friends, acquaintances, social groups and so on. Generally in a formal support system comprising of a therapist, counsellor, psychologist etc., it might become too formal for the individual and it also involves some from of payments. However, natural supports build an environment of trust, reliability and it may also boost your self esteem because in this system, you are also in a giver situation sometimes.

I have undergone a lot of situations where due to the availability of strong natural supports, I have never had to seek any professional help. In a situation where I had lost my self-confidence, had started thinking that I am good for nothing and was almost on the verge of depression, my natural supports helped me come out of the situation and face life with a renewed vigour and enthusiasm. Also at the workplace, in a lot of frustrating situations, colleagues have played the role of natural supports and that's how it has been possible to sail through the ugly corporate world.