A network of individuals including family members, friends, peers, coworkers, and professionals is what we refer to as a social support system. It serves as a source of emotional and practical support that we can rely on.
Social support networks are not like formal support groups that usually meet to help people who have experienced a shared trauma. Instead, social support networks are informal, without a set structure, and are available for any kind of support you may require. By establishing these networks before, during, and after challenging times, it can be simpler to cope with stress and other negative emotions.
Types of personal support systems
A support system consists of people who offer assistance, esteem, and concern. Numerous forms of personal support exist.
- Emotional support systems: These are the people in your corner who don’t judge and always give genuine feedback with your best interest at heart.
- Professional support systems: Whether at school or on the job, these are your professional connections who help you work toward your goals.
- Social support systems: While you may not share a close bond, these are connections with people from the community that positively influence your life.
Benefits of a support system
According to research, having a support network in place has numerous advantages. Individuals who have support systems tend to have longer lifespans and better overall health, and they also experience higher levels of happiness. These networks can enhance your ability to withstand loss and stress, while also positively affecting your well-being in times of joy.
Supportive relationships can offer emotional support when you are feeling down or overwhelmed, ensuring you feel acknowledged and comprehended as loved ones listen to your fears and worries. These relationships can also collaborate with you to resolve problems and discover different solutions, while also helping to divert your attention from the current situation.
Tips to create an effective support system
Creating a support system is a gradual process that cannot be achieved overnight. You may acquire acquaintances from various places such as school or work, but merely being in close proximity to someone is usually insufficient to include them in your preferred support circle.
1. Figure out who is a healthy support in your life
Start by making a list of the individuals you are aware of, who are already supporting and backing you up. This list should include your family, friends, counselors, as well as acquaintances in your community. After making this list, take a moment to ask yourself:
- Do they respect you?
- Do you trust them?
- Do they bring out your best qualities?
- Do they help you feel happier or more positive?
If the answer to these questions is yes, then it’s the right moment to nurture those connections.
2. Build on existing bonds
There are simple ways to build existing bonds, as some of the best sources of support are often already present. This could include reconnecting with a friend you’ve lost touch with or nurturing a developing relationship.
- Stay connected through phone calls, texts and emails.
- Tell these people how important they are to you.
- Allow them to confide in you when times are tough.
- Accept help when needed.
3. Embrace shared interests
If you need to strengthen your support system, there are certainly individuals with similar interests in your community. Engaging in regular interactions is an excellent approach to establish connections and friendships. Numerous methods are available to meet people in your community.
- Join a gym or sports team.
- Volunteer.
- Sign up for a class or hobby group.
- Start a book club.
4. Expand your professional connections
If you prioritize your career, it might be helpful to concentrate on your professional support network, which includes both individuals within and outside your industry. They can provide assistance in enhancing your career or providing guidance as you progress. Individuals who are also focused on their careers are especially capable of aiding you in comprehending and overcoming work-related stress.
5. Seek professional guidance
Support can involve seeking assistance from a therapist, counselor, or addiction professional in times of need. Having the support of a trained professional who can provide guidance, help identify vulnerabilities, and become an integral part of your personal support network can be crucial during times of significant adversity.
6. Build confidence
Self-confidence encompasses more than simply experiencing self-assurance – it additionally entails acknowledging one’s worthiness of love, the value of one’s thoughts, emotions, and aspirations, and the ability to have faith in one’s own capabilities. Associating oneself with positive influences can serve as a catalyst in initiating this augmentation of confidence.
7. Attend a support group
Support groups are frequently the starting point for individuals seeking to establish their support networks. These groups cover a diverse range of experiences but share a common objective. Since group members are grappling with similar challenges, they are more likely to comprehend your current difficulties from a distinct perspective.
8. Find a hobby
Hobbies offer a straightforward but powerful method to establish a community. Engaging in activities like knitting, hiking, cooking, and pottery can broaden the options for your support group. It is not necessary to physically engage in these hobbies together in a shared location; numerous online communities are equally strong compared to those formed in person.
9. Get to know your neighbors
Your neighbors can consist of the individuals living near you, as well as colleagues who work close by, individuals you encounter in shared spaces on a college campus, or those you regularly meet at the coffee shop in the mornings. If you make an effort to familiarize yourself with these people, even if it’s just to exchange greetings, it can initiate the process of developing your support network.
10. Find the positives
Humans are naturally inclined to concentrate on negative aspects, but it is possible to change this mindset. Similar to developing physical muscles, fostering positive thinking requires deliberate effort, patience, and dedication. Optimism attracts positive outcomes, and even the act of forcing oneself to smile has been proven to enhance happiness.
11. Accept help
Not all of us instinctively approach people to ask for help.
Many individuals are reluctant to seek assistance because they fear being perceived as weak for needing help in handling their issues. However, our loved ones genuinely want to aid us – when friends and family say, “If you require anything, please inform me,” they usually mean it! Without asking for help, it is impossible to receive it.
12. Find nonhuman support
In times of stress, plants, pets, and even stuffed animals can offer immense comfort. They lend a listening ear without any judgment, instill a sense of responsibility, and create a rewarding connection comparable to that of humans.
13. Be patient
Building trusting and healthy relationships is a gradual process that requires time. Discovering the circle of people you can depend on is not something that can be done hastily; it frequently requires a lifetime. As you encounter new individuals and broaden your network, you will come to value the effort put into establishing meaningful connections.
The importance of sustaining your support system
For successful and sustainable relationships, it is essential to consistently maintain them. While certain relationships may not necessitate daily communication, others do. In order to ensure the longevity of each relationship, it is important to communicate with the various individuals in your support system, thereby eliminating any ambiguity regarding the necessary efforts for their endurance.
Here are some suggestions for preserving these relationships:
- Show your appreciation. Tell your friends and family how important they are to you and thank them for all they give you.
- Stay in touch through phone calls, texts, and email.
- Be available when you’re needed. True friends come through when times are tough. Be a good listener and allow your friends to confide freely and without being judged.
- Support their successes. When you care for someone, you want to see them succeed.
- Be honest. Communication is key with all relationships. If someone does something that hurts you, let them know in a healthy way.
- Respect the needs of others. Everyone has their limit for social interactions. Know your limits or boundaries and respect those of others, even if they differ from yours.
- Learn their love languages (this isn’t just for romantic relationships!). Ways in which you want to be cared for and appreciated may not be the same for members of your support system.
When considering each step, make sure that the individuals within your support system are aiding in the reduction of stress rather than amplifying it. They should assist in your objectives and encourage your endeavors without demeaning your emotions, undermining your other connections, or disregarding your sentiments.
Side notes are to be rephrased while maintaining the same meaning without adding or removing any information.
When considering the sequence of actions, ensure that no type of support, such as professional help, is neglected – as you never know when assistance may be required. We rely on our support networks during times of need, and it is crucial to establish them beforehand. Presently, it is essential to cultivate existing relationships and develop new ones.
By diversifying your support system, you are able to alternate the individuals you rely on for support depending on the specific situation. Additionally, your requirements could vary in the future compared to your present needs, even after a span of six months.
