Developing a support system by Rachel funnell, lmft

Everyone needs a support system but sometimes it can be hard to identify those people. However, with the information provided, you’ll be able to identify your support system or gain some insight into how to create a more helpful support system.
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Support systems are a network of people that provide you with practical or emotional support. They are people that help you when you are going through tough times, whether that be emotional or physical. Without healthy support systems, people often feel hopeless, helpless, lonely and overwhelmed. Research has shown that a support system helps an individual feel more confident in their abilities, increases use of healthier coping skills, decreases anxiety and depression and provides people with a longer and healthier life. So if there is so much benefit to having a support system, why do some people struggle with having one? There are several reasons but for some it’s the idea of admitting that you may need help. Some people believe that it shows weakness to ask for help but in reality it shows a lot of strength to admit that you can’t do it on your own. For others, it’s because they don’t know how to create a support system. Here are several ways in which to create a support system.

• Who do you start with?
  • You want to start with your family, friends and coworkers. These are the people that are already in your life and they already have an idea of what’s going on and how to help.
  • However, not every family member, friend and coworker is going to be a good support system.
• After looking at the people close to you, you can then begin to branch out into the community.
  • There are several support groups and organizations that you can find just by doing a Google search or searching social media groups.
  • Groups could be through churches, the city, the state or different agencies.
  • Some groups are just people going through the same experiences as you and they formed their own group.
  • Ask around. Ask your family, friends, coworkers, doctors, even children’s schools for any groups that maybe available.
  • Don’t limit yourself to just groups that you are already apart of. Try out new groups and organizations to see if there’s any support with them.
• Next, you need to look at what makes a healthy support system.
  • A healthy support system is one that builds you up, encourages you, is positive, is there for you when you need them, and decreases your stress level. A support system doesn’t mean that everything in your life is better but it does mean that you are able to manage the stress better with the support of others.
  • An unhealthy support system is one that is negative, isn’t there for you, brings on more stress, lies to you, doesn’t provide any help or drains you. These could be family, friends or coworkers. If so, those are the people you need to keep your distance from.
• Lastly, the key to having a support system is to open up to them. If you don’t open up, then your stress level will continue. It’s hard to be vulnerable to others but if they have shown the characteristics of a healthy support system, then they will accept you and make you feel safe with them. Remember that a support system is vital to having a longer, happier life.