Mental health is a crucial part of overall well-being, and having a strong support network is essential for maintaining good mental health. A support network is a group of people who give emotional, psychological, and practical support when needed. Building a support network is crucial, as it can help you cope with stressful situations, manage mental health conditions, and maintain a positive outlook on life.
In my experience, it was tough to create a support group that was willing to stick around during my mental illness battle. You can’t show someone a mental illness on an MRI. You can’t get medications that are sure to fix your brain, you can’t get a prognosis, and you may never get a definitive diagnosis. So the first thing you need to do is tell your support group that you don’t have all the answers and can’t tell them if this will last 6 months or 6 years. You need to prepare your supports that so much is unknown and you need to prepare yourself that many people aren’t able to take that whole journey with you.
What is a support network?
So let’s backup and talk about what a support group is. A support group is a group of people who provide emotional, psychological, and practical support when needed. It can include family members, friends, colleagues, mentors, therapists, support groups, and others. Having a strong support network can provide you with a sense of belonging, help you cope with stress, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The importance of building a support network
Building a support network is essential for good mental health. Here are some reasons why:
· Coping with stress: Life can be stressful, and having a support network can help you cope with the stress of daily life. It provides a safe and supportive environment for you to share your feelings, vent your frustrations, and receive feedback and advice.
· Managing mental health conditions: Having a support network can be essential for managing symptoms. A support network can provide you with encouragement, understanding, and help you stay on track with treatment plans.
· Reducing loneliness and isolation: Loneliness and isolation can have negative effects on your mental health. A support network can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. In my opinion, there is nothing more damaging to your mental health than being isolated and alone while navigating your mental illness. You need to have something “normal” in your life, like healthy and happy people who can keep you from becoming your mental illness.
· Improving overall well-being: A strong support network can provide you with a sense of purpose and improve your overall well-being. It can also help you maintain a positive outlook on life and improve your ability to handle challenges.
Tips for building a support network
Building a support network takes time and effort, but it is worth it. Here are some tips for building a support network:
· Identify your support system: Start by identifying the people in your life who you feel comfortable talking to and who provide you with emotional and practical support.
· Join support groups: There are many support groups available for individuals with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Joining a support group can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to share your experiences and receive advice and support from others.
· Seek out therapy: Therapy can provide you with a safe and supportive environment to work through your issues and receive guidance and support from a trained mental health professional.
· Volunteer: Volunteering can provide you with a sense of purpose and help you meet new people. At the height of my mental illness, I volunteered at an animal shelter and loved it. I felt like if I could use this experience in the “normal” world, I could fake it until I made it. I kept my mental illness under wraps and stayed present in the normal world until I didn’t have to fake it anymore.
· Join clubs or organizations: Joining clubs or organizations that align with your interests can provide you with opportunities to meet new people and build friendships.
· Stay connected: Stay in touch with your support network regularly. Keep them updated on your life and be there for them when they need support.
Building a support network is essential for good mental health. But it’s tough to recruit people who can handle the demands of mental illness and how nebulous it is. At first, my support group was great. They visited me, called me, visited me in the hospital, and helped like mad–until they didn’t. They grew tired of my inability to tell them what my prognosis was and when it would be over. So hopefully your experience will be different.
A support group should provide you with emotional, psychological, and practical support when needed, and help you cope with stress, manage mental health conditions, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and improve your overall well-being. By following the tips above, you can build a strong support network and maintain good mental health.
