Finding Your People in Big Sky
By Suzy Sensbach GUEST COLUMNIST
In August 2019, I had been in Big Sky for two weeks. I met a few people but was feeling pretty lonely.
I ran into someone I had met once or twice, and he inquired how it was going. When I blurted out, “It’s fine, except for last Sunday, I stayed home all day crying, missing my friends and family,” he immediately invited me to join him and friends on his boat the following weekend. Those were my first people in Big Sky.
Humans are social creatures; it’s in our DNA to seek out social connections, and we have for thousands of years. One Harvard study shows that loneliness increases our vulnerability to mental and physical ailments, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disorders. Community plays a pivotal role in fostering and maintaining mental health. Another study demonstrated that social connectedness protects adults from depressive symptoms and disorders.
A variety of factors have led to increased isolation among American life, especially since the COVID pandemic. In ski towns such as Big Sky, the risks are higher due to factors such as geographic isolation, limited resources, culture of partying, disconnection from social networks and support, and challenges to meet basic needs. Montana ranks high in suicides—top 5 for the past 30 years—as well as mental health crises and substance use. A five-year study of rural community residents also found that low perceived interpersonal support was associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including depression.
“The most daring thing is to create stable communities in which the terrible disease of loneliness can be cured.”
– Kurt Vonnegut
The importance of community cannot be overstated in a place like Big Sky. Humans seek to be “a part of” not “apart from.” Let’s dig into why community is crucial for mental well-being and how it shows up in Big Sky.
Social support
Community provides a network of social support, which is essential for coping with life’s challenges. Whether it’s a shoulder to lean on during tough times or someone to celebrate successes with, having a supportive community can significantly impact one’s mental health. Knowing that there are people who care about you and are there for you can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. True community can grow out of a shared interest or affinity and lead to deeper connections and social support. For example, Moving Mountains is a gym that moves beyond fitness and fosters community.
“Our gym family has always felt supportive and inclusive without any feeling of competition,” said Robbeye Samardich, a longtime member “It’s a safe place where I can be myself, so it was only natural that those connections would evolve into friendships well beyond the gym.”
Sense of belonging
Being part of a community gives individuals a sense of belonging and identity. It provides a space where people can feel accepted, valued and understood. This sense of belonging is essential for mental health as it helps combat feelings of alienation and disconnectedness.
Consider that most residents of Big Sky did not grow up here. By definition, their family of origin and their trusted network of people are elsewhere, so we must create those relationships here.
Participating in community activities and events can serve as a form of stress relief and distraction. Especially in the summer, so many community events bring people together organically, like the Big Sky Farmers Market, Music in the Mountains and hikes organized by the Big Sky Community Organization.
A new Community Resource Group, hosted through Visit Big Sky, helps foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. Its purpose is to help the workforce of Big Sky, seasonal and others, feel welcome and connected in their new or temporary home by offering free or low-cost activities. This past winter, the new group hosted an ice skating night in Town Center, bowling at the Montage and community dinners. More events and resources are scheduled throughout the summer to help Big Sky’s workers find their sense of belonging.
Resilience
Community support can enhance resilience in the face of adversity. When individuals have a strong support system to rely on, they are better equipped to bounce back from setbacks and overcome challenges. Knowing that they are not alone in their struggles can give people the strength and courage to persevere. As an example, Big Sky Resort Ski Patrol’s Peer Resilience Team is made up of about 20 patrollers who support their fellows through challenging or traumatic events by being vulnerable and real. By having conversations and giving peers the space to talk, this group models the idea best expressed by patroller Nelson VanTassel of “living through who I am.”
Opportunities for growth
Communities offer opportunities for personal growth and development. Whether it’s through learning new skills, volunteering, or engaging in meaningful activities, being part of a community can enrich one’s life and contribute to overall well-being. Having a sense of purpose and connection to something larger than oneself is essential for mental health.
With more than 30 nonprofits in Big Sky, there are many opportunities to get connected. As a new resident, I volunteered for everything I could and met people along the way including a few who became core friends. Classes and clinics abound, such as the Arts Council of Big Sky’s art classes at BASE. Students have signed up for these classes expecting art instruction but end up getting so much more: a sense of belonging and connection as a bonus.
Validation and empowerment
In a supportive community, individuals feel validated and empowered to express themselves authentically. This validation of one’s experiences and emotions can help reduce feelings of shame and self-doubt. Furthermore, being surrounded by peers who uplift and encourage each other can boost self-esteem and confidence. Big Sky OUT is an example of an organization that provides validation and belonging through its mission “to create safe spaces for LGBTQ people of Big Sky and our allies to build community, be seen, to belong, and recreate together in this beautiful place we all live in,” according to founder Brit Diersch. “Our programming helps bridge Big Sky’s LGBTQ community across seasons, spreads love to stop hate, and to ensure our great outdoors welcomes everyone.”
Access to resources
Communities often provide access to resources and support services that can benefit mental health. This includes mental health professionals, support groups and recreational activities. Having these resources readily available within the community makes it easier for individuals to seek help when needed. Be Well Big Sky and its Navigator Network have created an effective pathway for people to find what they need through the “Resources” tab on its website, as well as volunteer Navigators from all parts of the community who can direct, assist and support.
What can we do? Community plays a vital role in promoting and maintaining mental health. By fostering social connections, providing support and belonging, reducing stress, enhancing resilience, offering opportunities for growth, validating experiences and providing access to resources, communities contribute to the overall well-being of individuals. As Big Sky grows, it is essential to prioritize community-building efforts and creating spaces where people can connect, thrive, and support each other mentally, emotionally and socially.
Suzy Sensbach is a lifelong educator and learner currently overseeing training and development at the Montage. She has been working to break the stigma associated with mental health with children and adults for over 20 years. She is a skier, reader, game player, friend and mother.
