Building Your Brave Space: Finding Connections That Support Your Mental Health Journey
The world feels heavy right now. The political climate is exhausting. Women’s health and autonomy are under constant debate. Starting a family feels more uncertain than ever. If you’re trans or in an LGBTQIA+ relationship, there are still far too many barriers to simply existing safely, let alone attempting things like adopting a child or accessing affirming healthcare. All of this—on top of the regular stress of daily life—can make maintaining mental health an uphill battle.
In moments like this, we need to ask ourselves these questions: Who’s in our community? More specifically, who’s in our mental health community?
Who Holds Space for You?
Your community might include family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. But when it comes to your mental well-being, a more focused circle matters. Who are the people you turn to when life feels too heavy to carry alone? Who do you vent to? Who listens when you need to process your emotions? Perhaps most importantly, who checks in on you when you’ve gone quiet?
Even if we attend therapy regularly, it’s important to build connections that support us in between sessions (and frankly, for those moments and emotions we forget to bring up in therapy). These are the one or two people who truly understand what you’re going through. Maybe they’re in therapy too, or have the shared experience of taking prescription medications for their mental health. These are the people who get it—the ones who understand how exhausting healing can be, the ones who don’t offer toxic positivity or dismiss your struggles.
These are the people who hold a brave space for you, a space where you can bring your full self, including the messy, complicated, and unfiltered parts.
The Importance of a Brave Space
We all need a place where we don’t have to put on a mask. A place where we feel comfortable answering the question “How are you?” with something other than “Fine.” A space we can share with someone on those days when you feel like you’ve made a ton of progress and on the days when you realize it’s the middle of the month and you can’t believe how little you’ve moved forward. A brave space isn’t about having solutions—it’s about having people who can sit with you in those moments without trying to “fix things.”
Don’t get me wrong; a mental health community isn’t just about support – it’s about understanding. It’s about having people who won’t judge you for needing medication, who won’t tell you to “just think positive,” who won’t treat you differently because your brain works in a way that requires extra care. These are the people who hold your hand in silence, sit with you and your feelings, and embrace you, for well, you.
How to Build Your Mental Health Community in North Carolina and South Carolina
If you’re reading this and realizing you don’t have that kind of support yet, that’s okay. Building a mental health community takes time and intention, but I’m here to help you along the way. If you live in North or South Carolina, I’ve included local programs and communities that may resonate with you.
Here are a few ways to start looking for ways to build your mental health community:
Identify the people who already show up for you.
Think about those who listen without judgment, who check in on you, and who validate your feelings without making you feel like a burden. Make a mental list (or even a physical one) of these people and reach out to them when you feel like you’re struggling. You may find that these connections continue to strengthen and grow.
2. Be open about mental health.
Sometimes, creating community starts with vulnerability (I know even reading that can be a little scary!) You don’t have to share everything, but opening up about your experiences can invite others to do the same.
3. Seek friendships with people who prioritize their own mental health.
When someone is actively engaged in their own healing, they tend to have more space to hold for others. These are the people who understand boundaries, emotional regulation, and the importance of self-care—not just as buzzwords but as daily practices.
Need Help Building A BraveCommunity?
4. Find support groups.
Whether it’s a virtual space, a local meetup, or a group therapy setting, there are people out there looking for the same connection you are.
Some support groups in Charlotte and North Carolina include:
NAMI of Charlotte hosts various free support groups for people from all walks of life struggling with various issues, including suicide loss, caregiving, and diversity.
Charlotte Pride (look under Social Support) lists multiple social support groups for LGBTQIA+ individuals and partners.
NC State offers a great list of BIPOC student mental health support, including peer groups and organizations.
Some support groups in South Carolina include:
NAMI of South Carolina offers support groups throughout the state, including groups in Charleston, Piedmont Tri-County, and Greenville.
Spartanburg has its own list of support groups and social clubs, ranging from LGBTQIA+ groups to women’s groups.
Able South Carolina hosts adult and youth peer groups for those with disabilities.
You Deserve Support: Therapy in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Online Throughout South Carolina
No one should have to go through life alone, especially when it comes to mental health. In a world that can be isolating and overwhelming, finding even one or two people who can sit with you in the hard moments is invaluable.
If you’d like a helping hand in finding those special people who can hold a brave space for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You deserve people who make space for you. And they deserve you, too.
I would like to be clear that this blog post is not intended to substitute for professional counseling. If you are in need of support, please consider speaking to a professional counselor.
Cheryl D. Perry MA, LCMHC, LPC, NCC
