Community isn’t just where you live. It is about the people you feel connected to. This could include family, friends, classmates or coworkers, online groups, cultural or identity-based groups, teams, clubs and more.

As we head back to school and settle into new routines, you may find yourself reconnecting with familiar people, meeting new ones or finding new communities where you feel like you belong. Whether you’re starting a new school year, returning to work or simply adjusting to a change in routine, connection can play an important role in supporting your mental health.

Your community is anyone who makes you feel seen, supported and gives you a sense of belonging.

Why community matters for your mental health: Humans are wired for connection. Having supportive people in your life can make a big difference in how you feel, navigate change and cope with challenges.

Community can help you 

  • Feel less alone – even knowing someone understands you can ease stress 
  • Manage difficult emotions – talking things out helps process what you’re going through 
  • Build confidence – supportive people remind you of your strengths 
  • Handle challenges – whether they are physically beside you helping with tasks, or just providing the support and motivation  
  • Celebrate wins – big or small, it matters to have people cheering you on 

It is also important to remember that no single person can meet all your needs. That’s why it is good to have a variety of supports.  

A supportive community looks like people who respect your boundaries, listens without judgment, encourages, makes you feel safe being yourself, and support your growth.  

If a space or group consistently makes you feel anxious, judged, or drained, it might not be the right fit.  

Q: What if I’m shy or struggle with social anxiety?
A: Building connections can happen gradually. Consider starting with smaller groups, online communities, or activities centered around shared interests where conversations may feel more natural. 

How to build your community: 

  1. Start with what you already have – is there someone in your life you could reach out to or spend more time with? Even one connection can grow into something meaningful.  
  2. Find people with shared interests – connection often grows from shared experiences. Try a club, school group, or online community. 
  3. Take small social risks – building connection can feel uncomfortable at first. Try saying hello to someone new, joining a conversation, or inviting someone new to hang out or study. 
  4. Be part of the community you want – community goes both ways. Make sure you listen and support others, show kindness, check in on others and be open to new experiences.  

Q: Do online communities count as real communities?
A: Yes, online communities can provide meaningful support, friendship, and connection, especially when in-person opportunities are limited. Many people benefit from a combination of online and offline relationships. 

How to Access Support:  

Sometimes support needs to go beyond what a friend or peer provides. You can reach out to trusted adults, professional supports (i.e. therapists, doctors, mental health professionals), or community organizations (i.e. youth centres or support groups). Helplines and online supports can also be helpful if you want to talk to someone right away or anonymously. 

Tips for Accessing Supports 

  • Identify where to start – take some time to reflect on your thoughts, emotions and behaviours. Consider where you’d like to see some changes. This can help you decide where to start. 
  • Seek feedback from others – sometimes they may notice changes or patterns you may not be aware of.  
  • Be creative – support can come from a variety of places including community organizations, support groups, helplines, or online forums.  
  • Make a plan – it can be easier to follow set out steps and tools and this can keep you from getting overwhelmed in the moment.  

Q: Can friends/community replace professional mental health care?
A: Community support is valuable, but it is not a substitute for professional care when someone is experiencing significant mental health concerns. Both can play important roles in your mental well-being. 

Q: Should I try to work out my problems on my own?  

Would you try to deal with a heart condition or a broken leg on your own? Mental health problems can be just as serious as physical problems, and getting medical attention or other help is just as important. It is important to remember, getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Build Your Personal Support Network 

Use this worksheet to keep track of programs, supports and spaces that matter to you. This is your hub – add anything that helps you feel connected, supported, or understood.  

My Support Goals:  

What am I looking for right now? (Check or add your own)  

  • Mental health supports 
  • Making friends/connection 
  • 2SLGBTQ+ community 
  • School/career help  
  • Physical activity/wellness 
  • Newcomer resources 
  • Creative outlets 
  • Cultural/spiritual connection  

Resources I Am Interested In: break them down into categories of organization/group name, program/what do they offer, date/time, location, website/contact info.

My Support Circle – People I Can Connect With: make a list of people you connect with.

4 Steps to Finding Mental Health Resources in Calgary   

While Calgary is home to a wealth of resources, finding the right ones to support you can be daunting.  

If you are unsure of where to start or feeling lost amidst the sea of information, CMHA Calgary’s Community Navigator is here to guide you – free of charge!  

Here are four steps to help you connect with our Community Navigator and find the mental health resources that are tailored to your unique needs.  

  1. Reach Out  
  2. Identify Your Needs  
  3. Discover Resources Available  
  4. Follow Through and Prioritize Self-Care  

Navigating all the incredible mental health resources in Calgary can feel overwhelming, but with the guidance of CMHA Calgary’s Community Navigator, you’re not alone. By following these four steps, you can embark on your path to recovery, accessing the support and services that are perfectly tailored to your unique needs.  

Email the Community Navigator at community.navigator@cmha.calgary.ab.ca to explore available services, seek additional support, and prioritize your recovery. Remember, your mental health matters, and with the right resources, you can find impactful supports to bolster your recovery journey. 

Giving Back to Your Community   

Young people play an important role in creating strong, supportive communities. By volunteering your time, sharing your skills or participating in local initiatives, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.  

Giving back also provides valuable opportunities for personal growth. Through volunteering and/or community involvement, youth can develop leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining new experiences and building confidence.  

Community connection also has a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Volunteering helps foster a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and belonging. Research shows that helping others can boost self-esteem, reduce stress, and contribute to greater overall happiness.  

What is Peer Support and How Can It Help Build My Community?  

When someone is seeking support, it can be common to think of formal mental health resources such as counselors, therapists, or doctors. However, when someone first notices that something may be wrong, they are often more likely to turn to people they know and trust, such as friends, family members or peers.    

Peer support involves young people helping one another through shared experiences, understanding, and connection. This doesn’t mean acting as a therapist, or trying to solve someone else’s problems, but instead involves listening, encouraging, and helping others feel less alone. 

What is Peer Support?  

Peer support involves people with similar experiences, backgrounds, or challenges supporting one another. You may have already been involved in peer support without even realizing. Anytime a friend checks in with one another, or shares something they went through in the hopes of building connection, that can be considered peer support.  

Peer support can also be more ‘official’, interacting with individuals who are trained for this mentorship position and to provide tools and resources to help support others.  

At it’s core, peer support is built on empathy, trust, and understanding, and the idea that “I’ve been through something similar”.  

Why Peer Support Matters 

Many young people spend a large portion of their time with their peers whether it be through school, sports, or other after school activities. Friends and classmates are often the first people to notice when someone’s behaviour has changed or someone is having a difficult time.  

Peer support can:

  • Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness 
  • Create stronger friendships and connections  
  • Build confidence and resilience 
  • Encourage help seeking behaviours  
  • Build community by creating a sense of belonging and strengthening connection.  

Peer Support Is One Piece of the Puzzle 

Peer support is part of a larger mental health network, as different people provide different support.  

  • Friends and peers offer understanding and companionship 
  • Family can provide guidance and care 
  • Teachers, coaches, can offer mentorship and support 
  • Counsellors, therapists, and mental health professionals can provide specialized care  

It is important to know that peer support works best when it supplements other supports.  

How to Be a Supportive Friend 

You may find yourself on the giving end of support as a friend. The following are a few tips to ensure you are being as supportive as possible.  

  • Listen more than you speak 
  • Avoid judgement or criticism  
  • Check in regularly  
  • Respect boundaries 
  • Encourage friends to seek additional supports when needed  

Remember supporting someone doesn’t mean carrying their problems on your own. Take care of yourself as you help others.  

Peer support reminds us that we don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Whether you’re offering support or receiving it, meaningful connections can improve well-being, strengthen communities, and help create environments where everyone feels valued. 

While friends and peers can be an important part of your mental health network, remember that seeking help from trusted adults and professionals is a sign of strength. Together, these supports can help build a community where everyone feels connected, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

Seeking Peer Support?  

Youth – Alex Youth Centre Peer Support 

  • Visit: #104 2840 2 Ave SE, 11 am – 5 pm  
  • Ph: 403-520-6270, Text: 403-680-9627 
  • Email: youthinfo@thealex.ca 

Over 18 – Visit CMHA’s Welcome Centre (M-F, 11-4) to connect with a Peer or  

Want to work on your skills for supporting a friend? Check out Equipped’s course Skills for Being There.