1. Storytelling & support systems

3. iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj
A Support System and Telling Your Story are Both Crucial Building Blocks to Positive Mental Health

4. Quick Review on Mental health
iampossibleproject.com
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

5. iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj
“After nourishment, shelter, and companionship; stories are the thing we need most in life.” - Philip Pullman

6. Why we need a support system
iampossibleproject.com
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

7. What a support system does
iampossibleproject.com
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

8. Support Systems: The “Who”
iampossibleproject.com
Support Systems: The “Who”
Friends
Family
Mentor
Clergy
Crisis Line
Physician
Teacher
Pets
Church People
Coworkers

9. Support Systems: “The what”
iampossibleproject.com
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

10. Support Systems: “The How”
iampossibleproject.com
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

11. Importance of Storytelling
iampossibleproject.com
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

12. 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

13. iampossibleproject.com | @i_MPossibleproj
Storytelling Methods
Therapy/Group
Creative Writing/Journaling
Performance/Artistic Expression
Keynoting
Peer to Peer Counseling