Who is your go-to person(s) during tough times? You probably turn to a therapist, friend, family member, peer, coworker, teacher, or faith leader for mental health support.
The personal journey of recovery from mental health challenges may have the goals of autonomy, empowerment, and hope. Besides, various factors affect the recovery process, including having a strong support system.
Of importance, your support network should entail people you are comfortable sharing your experiences and the support you need. These are people you trust, respect, and like.
General life changes affect your support network. We are experiencing inevitable life changes, such as changes in digital communication, which might affect the strength and size of your support network.
For the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected support systems due to restrictions such as social distancing and quarantine. These changes, in turn, affect your mental health.
So, let’s see what is a support system and why it is important.
What is a Support System?
A support system is a group of people that support you emotionally, mentally, or practically during good and bad times.
Having a support system makes you strong and not weak, as it enables you to develop problem-solving and resilience skills on your own. In other words, having people to support you nurtures your self-esteem, confidence, and autonomy.
The Importance Of Mental Health Support Systems
The past few years of the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced reduced social support and strained social relationships, making it hard to deal with stress.
Having trustworthy people you can turn to and share what you are experiencing can help you make difficult decisions, manage daily challenges, or during a crisis situation.
This support network also enables you to combat loneliness and social isolation, which elevates the risk for mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
In addition, support systems are proven to improve resiliency, self-esteem, life satisfaction, and emotional well-being and reduce physical health problems and stress.
How do you Know Whether Your Mental Health Support System is Strong?
People in your support network should be there for you, love you, be compassionate and care for you. Since social relationships are a two-way street, so you should do likewise for them.
Never forget that your support system counts on you greatly. While it is essential to include other people in your support network, it is equally important for you to support yourself. Setting boundaries, creating a solid set of coping mechanisms, and practicing self-care are workable ways of supporting yourself.
