A social support system is a group of individuals, consisting of family members, friends, peers, coworkers, and professionals, who are available to provide emotional and practical support when needed.
Social support networks are not the same as formal support groups, which usually meet to help individuals through a common traumatic event. Instead, social support networks are informal, lacking a fixed structure, and can be accessed for support in any situation. Establishing these networks before, during, and after challenging times can facilitate the management of stress and negative emotions.
Tips to create an effective support system
Building a support system is a gradual process, and although you can gather individuals you come across, such as in school or at work, it generally requires more than just sharing a physical space to incorporate someone into your desired group of supporters.
1. Determine who you want in your support system
To find individuals who treat you kindly and respectfully while genuinely caring for your well-being is crucial. Similarly, if you are in a relationship with someone that no longer benefits you, there is no obligation to maintain that relationship.
You have the option to decide whether or not you view certain individuals as sources of support or specific types of support. This advice is applicable not just to romantic relationships, but also to friendships.
2. Connect with a professional
Taking the initiative to work with professionals such as therapists, mental health counselors, and Health Coaches is a prudent initial measure in establishing a support system. These professionals are equipped to assist you not only with the routine obstacles you face, but also to delve into the underlying root causes of these minor issues. Moreover, they can offer guidance on expanding your social connections beyond your association with them.
3. Build confidence
Self-confidence entails more than simply experiencing positive emotions about oneself; it also encompasses the belief that one is worthy of love, that their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations hold significance, and that they can rely on their own competencies. Initiating a surge in confidence can be facilitated by surrounding oneself with affirmative influences.
4. Attend a support group
Support groups are commonly used as a starting point for individuals seeking to establish their support networks. These groups cover a diverse range of situations, each with a shared objective. Given that members are grappling with identical difficulties, they are likely to possess a distinctive comprehension of your present challenges.
5. Find a hobby
Hobbies provide a straightforward and useful method for creating a community. Engaging in activities such as knitting, hiking, cooking, or pottery will broaden the potential members for your support group. You can even participate in these hobbies virtually and still establish robust online communities, which are equally powerful as those formed in physical settings.
6. Get to know your neighbors
Your neighbors encompass not only the individuals residing near you, but also coworkers situated in the neighboring desks, people encountered in common areas on a university campus, or those encountered every morning at the local coffee shop. By making an attempt to familiarize yourself with these individuals, even if it is just a simple greeting, you can initiate the process of establishing your network of support.
7. Find the positives
Instead of naturally gravitating towards the negative, humans can choose to think differently. Developing positive thinking requires purpose, effort, and dedication, similar to building a muscle. Positive thoughts have the power to attract more positivity, and even forcing oneself to smile has been proven to enhance happiness.
8. Accept help
Not all of us have the natural instinct to approach people and ask for help.
Many individuals hesitate to seek help because they fear being perceived as weak for needing assistance in resolving their issues. However, our loved ones are eager to support us, as they genuinely mean it when they offer their assistance by saying, “If you need anything, just let me know!” Remember, you won’t receive help unless you ask for it.
9. Find nonhuman support
Plants, pets, and even stuffed animals can offer tremendous solace during stressful periods. They offer a non-judgmental ear, instill a sense of accountability, and can establish a connection equally fulfilling to that of a human relationship.
10. Be patient
Building trusting and healthy relationships requires patience and time. The process of finding the group you can depend on is not something that can be rushed; it often spans across a lifetime. As you meet new individuals and broaden your circle, you can develop an understanding of the effort put into establishing connections.
11. Find guidance through faith & meditation
In the midst of a difficult health journey, numerous individuals discover solace in faith-based communities where they can seek support. These communities can be found in local places of worship or through participation in prayer circles. If you are not part of a faith-based community, virtual meditation groups online can provide the support you seek.
Sharing your faith with others can be inspiring and motivating, as you receive their messages of empathy, understanding, and compassion. By connecting with like-minded individuals in a spiritual setting, you have the opportunity to regain a sense of strength and hope.
12. Connect with people who have shared interests & hobbies
When constructing a support system, our focus is often limited to sharing our difficulties with others. However, it is important to note that a support system can also be established by sharing our interests and hobbies which bring us happiness.
As members of a social species, we have a tendency to value individuals who share our level of excitement for a subject of interest. Having this eagerness can establish a solid basis for building connections, fostering trust, and enhancing communication with others.
Engaging in a beloved pastime can also provide a boost of energy when interacting with others. If you are feeling overwhelmed by emotional responsibilities, joining a group centered around your hobby can offer respite from the difficulties of everyday life and elevate your mood.
If you’re looking for a group in your area based on your interests, one option is to browse Meetup. Meetup is an online platform that facilitates connections among people with similar interests, allowing them to meet both online and in person in a group setting. Another place worth checking out is your local library or cafe, as many groups use bulletin boards to promote upcoming gatherings, classes, and events.
13. Connect with long distance friends and family online
Technology has made it easier for us to connect with long-distance loved ones, even when they cannot physically be with us to aid in our healing process. By engaging in activities such as playing online games together, video chatting, and utilizing social media, one can seek support and maintain connections with familiar individuals through online platforms.
You can start a CaringBridge page to connect online easily. In one place, on this free and protected platform, you can do the following:
- Communicate with loved ones by posting updates, thoughts and photos via the Journal feature
- Receive messages and comments of encouragement and support
- Organize and schedule help with tasks and errands using the Planner feature
- Receive donations or organize a meal train
14. Form a care team
When you are on a long-term health journey, it is common to have numerous tasks and choices to deal with. Therefore, it might be beneficial to create a core care team consisting of a few close individuals who can assist in meeting your needs.
By creating a care team, you can diminish your responsibilities and concentrate on healing, from managing errands to organizing support. It might be beneficial to have a couple of individuals who can lend a listening ear and offer advice when you require assistance, guidance, or need to make choices.
15. The importance of sustaining your support system
Maintaining successful, sustainable relationships requires constant maintenance. While not all relationships necessitate daily communication, some do. Engaging in regular communication with the various members of your support system will facilitate clarity regarding the necessary factors for each relationship’s longevity.
Here are some tips 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, remember that individuals in your support system should aim to alleviate stress rather than exacerbate it. They should stand behind your objectives and endeavors in pursuing them, rather than diminishing your emotions, sabotaging your other connections, or disregarding your sentiments.
