Everyone at one point in their life deals with mental health challenges. It could be a formal diagnosis, hitting rock bottom, or having stretches of bad periods in your life. But no matter who you are or what you’re experiencing, you don’t need to go through it alone. One of the best ways to support your everyday mental health is a trustworthy network. In difficult times, having a support system can be a lifeline that provides comfort, understanding, and assistance when you need it most.
Whether it’s your friends, family, or even professionals (such as your therapist), a support system is tremendously helpful. Isolating yourself with poor mental health doesn’t feel good and can have detrimental results. So, that’s one reason it’s so important that you don’t go down this road alone. Here’s how the power of your support system can significantly help on the journey to improving your mental health.
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Get the emotional validation you need from your support system
When you’re struggling with low mental health, one of the most powerful things a support system can offer is emotional validation. It’s the assurance that your feelings are real and legitimate. Humans are social creatures who seek acceptance. Having a fight or flight response to those around you can be a challenge. It’s hard to worry about your nervous system all the time and how you’ll react around people with the fear that you’re not accepted. At the end of the day, you deserve emotional validation: Knowing that someone listens, understands, and acknowledges your emotions can provide immediate relief.
Your support system provides a judgement-free space
Nobody should have to feel judged when all they want to do is to get feelings off of their chest. It’s painful. When it comes to your support network, it shouldn’t be just anyone, of course. It needs to be a person or a group of people you know for a fact that you can trust. That way, you can confide in them safely. This non-judgmental space is where you can be your authentic self without fear of criticism or rejection. This safe environment allows you to open up, share your thoughts and feelings, and work through challenges. This is the space where you shouldn’t feel like you need to bottle up what you’re feeling, but instead can release it.
Your support system reduces isolation
Sadly, poor mental health and isolation go hand in hand. One can make the other worse, regardless of order. This is why having a solid support system can help combat this isolation by connecting you with others who care about your well-being. This sense of belonging and connection can alleviate the emotional burden of isolation. The light at the end of the dark tunnel is your loved ones.
You’ll get a wider range of perspectives
When it comes to your support system, sometimes it’s not just knowing there are people there for you who can provide moral support. If you need actual support, you need to share your thoughts, feelings, and what you’re going through. During tough times, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and stuck in a negative thought cycle. People within your support system can provide a fresh perspective, offering insights and alternative viewpoints that you may not have considered. This can help you see your situation from a different angle and explore potential solutions.
Practical assistance counts, too
A support system isn’t only about moral support. Sure, you can’t expect every single person within your support system to drop everything they’re doing to help you. But you should trust the fact that there are going to be some people within your support system who provide practical assistance, too. Not just words of wisdom or moral support, but actually help you in different ways. That includes helping you with daily tasks, running errands for you, preparing meals, you name it. Sometimes, that physical support is also needed.
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