Title: The Importance of Having a Support System - Mental Health First Aid
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Content: The Importance of Having a Support System - Mental Health First Aid
By Mental Health First Aid USA on August 6, 2020
Recovery is a personal journey with the goals of hope, empowerment and autonomy. And for many people with mental health challenges, recovery is often possible. Many factors contribute to recovery, including having a good support system of people that you like, respect and trust. They can be family members, friends, teachers, faith leaders, neighbors or peers — what’s important is that you have people you feel comfortable talking to about what you’re experiencing and support you may need. Research has shown that having a social support system can have a positive impact on your overall mental health, especially for women, older adults, patients, workers and students. On a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 was “a great deal of stress” and one is “little or no stress,” a 2015 survey found that the average stress level for people with emotional support in place was 5 out of 10 compared to 6.3 out of 10 for people without emotional support. Having a few people you trust and can turn to can help you manage everyday challenges, make difficult decisions, or even during a crisis situation. It can also combat social isolation and loneliness, both of which can put you at higher risk for physical and mental health issues including high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression and more. If you don’t have this right now, that’s okay. Use these tips from the American Psychological Association to help build and strengthen your support network: