The Power of Curative Connections

What if you could be prescribed a trip to a nature preserve, a watercolor class or walking group to treat mental health issues? Social prescribing is an alternative model of care that recognizes the social, emotional and practical needs that impact people’s overall health. Our wellbeing is strongly determined by our environment. These social determinants of health are the nonmedical aspects in which we are born, grow up, work, live and age that influence our health outcomes. We all need basics to survive, such as clean air, nutritious food, decent shelter and adequate money. However to truly flourish, we need to focus on whole-person care by finding meaning in our lives, sources of joy and beneficial relationships.

I have noticed that clients who enter therapy for issues of chronic anxiety or depression often times have loneliness and stress at the core of emotional disturbances. Instead of a psychiatric referral for medication, what my clients often need is human connection and meaningful activities to naturally restore balance. In treatment, we discuss ways the client can be inspired to help themselves. It is interesting that the most important part of therapy is in the healing connection created through development and maintenance of a therapeutic attachment. In the social prescriptive model, medical and mental health professionals work to  identify a patient’s need for connection and align them with community resources. By asking clients what matters most to them, new activities to cope with stress, move the body, spend time in green space and find new relationships can be explored. When basic psychological needs are met, people can often manage their own health problems.

Studies have shown that social prescribing reduces doctor and emergency room visits, hospitalizations and healthcare spending that pressure our systems. This model has an economic impact that can save costs and reduce strain in primary care settings. Much research is needed to build effective and sustainable ‘art-on-prescription’ programs to facilitate holistic and human-centered approaches to care. Furthermore, understanding how social prescribing can be combined with other strategies to combat mental health issues in more challenging situations is critical. Application of knowledge built through academic literature on social prescription with real-life experience can help build a broader body of knowledge. The success of these programs depends on integration of patient needs and available local resources. Digital tools can be useful to organize resources and diverse community services to meet the needs of referred individuals.

Social prescribing is a whole-person approach that addresses the social determinants of mental health. Empowering people to actively work on their own care can reduce the perceived need for professional intervention. By improving social connections and increasing physical activities, wellness can be naturally improved and maintained.

Social prescriptive ideas to support mental health:

1. Community activities provide sense of belonging and reduce isolation
Norton’s Walking at the Zoo Club
Walk with a Doc
Louisville Hiking Club
Preston Art
KMAC Contemporary Art Adult Classes
Cooking at the Cottage
Louisville Public Library Yoga
Yoga Central Park
Garden Club of Kentucky
Louisville Nature Center

2. Support groups provide shared experiences and connections for people with similar issues
Louisville KY Support Groups
U of L Health (Peace)
Psychology Today Louisville KY Support Groups
Louisville Meetup Groups

3. Volunteering gives a sense of purposeful accomplishment lifting self-esteem and mood
Volunteer Match
Courier Journal Volunteer Opportunities
LouisvilleKY.gov Volunteer Opportunities

4. Mindfulness technique classes help manage stress by promoting awareness with Self and others
Passionist Earth and Spirit Center
Mindfulness Meditation Club U of L
Mindfulness Meditation Groups

5. Educational workshops build confidence, skill and a growth mindset
Waterfront Botanical Classes and Learning
Louisville Public Library Lifelong Learning
Adult and Continuing Education
StyleBluePoint Adult Education
Evenbrite Classes

6. Cultural activities connect people with the world
Waterfront Wednesday Free Concerts
Louisville Summer Concert Series
Concerts Warder Park Jeffersonville IN
Iroguois Amphitheater Free Summer Movies
Shakespeare in the Park
Kentucky Fair Free Concerts
Louisville Events Calendar
Norton Free Sports and Fitness
Free Sports and Fitness Events
YMCA Silver Sneakers for 65+