When people imagine the summer season, most think about all the activities that come with the warm weather. These activities can range from just hanging out with family members to taking trips to the beach; the opportunities are endless during the summer months. While the terms that we use for our group of friends or family change depending on who you talk to, we could all agree that we see these people as our social support, the ones we depend on during hard times and enjoy being around during the happy times. Social support groups provide many things and are essential to our all-around health.
According to an article founded on MayoClinic.com, having social support is one way to help a person get through the rough times in their life. The article talks about how family ties, friendships, and involvement in social activities can offer a psychological buffer against stress, anxiety, and depression. Unlike support groups, that are usually run by mental health professionals, social support focuses on the relationships between family and friends and how the support benefits those who are a part of it. The article also states how simply talking with a friend over a cup of coffee, visiting with a relative, or attending a church outing is good for your overall health. If you have a mental illness, these connections can help you weather troubled times. But those who struggle with mental health issues may have trouble developing social support for reasons such as being alienated from family members, social anxiety, or the fear of being treated differently because of the stigma from having a mental illness. Having a place where adults, with a mental illness, can come, have fun, develop relationships, and feel safe is very important. This is what the Open Door Social Club— held at Mental Health America of Porter County— offers.
Open Door Social Club is a program for adults who are living with a mental illness and are seeking social outlets— to have a place where they can come and feel like they belong. ODSC is a “stigma-free zone” that allows adults with a diagnosed mental illness and are treatment-compliant to come socialize, build life skills, and enjoy outings. The group meets three times each week. In a world where everything is centered around their illness, members of ODSC can forget about their struggles and just feel normal. As an intern who volunteers with Open Door Social Club I have seen first-hand how important this program is for our members. Activities such as going to the County Fair or learning about fruit—things that are taken for granted, are met with excitement from our members. I never thought learning about fruit would be exciting until I witnessed it through the eyes of one of my members. The excitement that was displayed just from discovering interesting facts and getting the chance to eat the fruit was something that I will never forget. I also witness the friendships that are formed between the members and how they do truly care about each other. Not only do they stay on top of each other to make sure everyone is doing okay, they also show concern for those who have not shown up for club in quiet sometime.
For more information or an application about Open Door Social Club or other programs and services call Joshua Volk at 219-462-6267 or email to jvolk@mhapc.org.