Do you have a support system in place?
- Mental Health Awareness Society
- Feb 8, 2018
- 3 min read
Support systems are an important part of our lives. These systems include anyone we trust and can go to for help, advice, or any other type of emotional support. Your support system may be made up of your friends and family members, as well as health care providers, classmates, co-workers, social workers, counsellors, psychologists, etc.
Having a strong support system is one of the best ways to maintain and build positive mental health. More specifically, support systems can increase mental health by:
Alleviating stress: A strong support system can alleviate stress by providing you with another person to share your problems with. When you have someone to confide in who cares about what you are saying and listen to your problems, you may find it easier to deal with whatever challenges you are facing. In addition, people in your support system may be able to give ideas or recommendations for how to overcome life’s challenges.
Increasing your self confidence and feelings of value: Being part of a strong support system can make you feel loved and important. You can listen to the challenges of others in your support system and may even get ideas about how your friends overcome these challenges. Feeling valued by other people can increase your self confidence and self esteem – this contributes to good mental health.
Decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation: Support systems can also be fun! You can call on members of your support system when you want to participate in an activity or just talk about what is going on in your life. Without friends and other social supports many people are more likely to feel lonely, isolated, and bored – this can increase risk for developing mental health conditions such as depression.
Having a strong support system can have an incredibly positive impact on your mental health! So, how do you create a support system? You can start by filling out the template below or watching the video to get more ideas. Your support system will be as unique as you are.
Who I can call when...
1. I'm feeling lonely: _________________________
2. I need some company: _________________________
3. I need someone to talk to: _________________________
4. I need someone to encourage me to get out of the house and do something fun: _________________________
5. I need someone to remind me to follow my self-care plan: ________________________
6. Other: ________________________
Now that you have your support system in place, how to do you equip them to best help you? It's important to remember that not everyone will be able to provide you with the exact support you are looking for. Here are some says to get started.
How to Equip your Support System
1. Talk about your experience. Talking to your network about how you're affected by the symptoms increases their awareness and understanding.
2. Identify warning signs and triggers. Sometimes our supporters see things that we don't recognize. Discuss the things that are specific to you.
3. Talk about what helps and what doesn't. This is crucial information for your support system.
4. Share your safety plan and self-care strategies. Share your plan with you support network so that they can assist in times of crisis.
5. Establish boundaries for yourself and your supporters. Talk about what you are comfortable letting others help you with and in return let you support network tell you what they are able and willing to do.
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