Support systems are a great tool to have when navigating new steps in life, like going off to college, applying for a new job, starting a family, or dealing with a mental illness. A support system that predominantly consists of friends or family alleviates the stress of asking a stranger’s opinion and brings a sense of conformity in an already familiar social setting. The strength and advice from your loved ones can boost your confidence, give you peace with your decisions, and boost your emotional and physical health with simple support.
Support Systems Boost Mental Health
The most important part of having a solid support system of family and friends is its positive contribution to mental health. The presence of family and friends in our day-to-day lives is essential when making a difficult decision, like deciding where to go college or asking about an outfit you plan to wear. Likely, they’ll provide constructive advice that will make you feel comfortable consulting with them regularly. Regular communication, whether by phone or in person, gives a sense of belonging and a reliable, close-knit dynamic.
Calling a friend or family member anytime to vent or ask for support with a complex health or otherwise stressful situation is necessary. The National Council For Mental Wellbeing suggests that having a close-knit group of support improves the mental wellbeing of women, students, those who work excessively long hours, those battling a terminal illness, and hospital workers. In 2015, the organization surveyed to measure how beneficial the support was. The survey used a stress scale of 1-10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.
The results indicated that 5 out of 10 people had emotional support from their families and friends across all genders and ages. People with no emotional support reported their stress levels at 6.3 out of 10, making them the most stressed group surveyed. The study indicates that not having the right amount of support can be devastating and shows that having the right support system is the key to boosting mental health.
They Improve Overall Bodily Health
Just as the National Council for Mental Wellbeing conducted surveys measuring stress for those with a support system versus those without one, the University of Utah conducted a series of research studies to determine the links between the presence of a solid support system and its effect on life expectancy and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers determined that having a support system reduced the occurrence of having a first-time heart attack; however, patients without a viable support system were proven to be 1.5 times more likely to have a heart attack than those without one. Furthermore, patients with little to no regular socialization were found to be two times more likely to be re-admitted to a hospital for cardiac activity related to an acute myocardial infarction, while patients with a more robust support system were the least likely to be re-admitted. These findings suggest having regular contact with your family and friends benefits your well-being.
When it comes to diabetes, a separate study conducted by the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa reflects that having a support system is necessary for coping with a diabetes diagnosis. That system can help loved ones navigate treatment options and ensure that they’re keeping up with their treatments and taking their medications correctly. The study results indicated that those with social support from both public and private sector groups found it easier to manage their diagnoses, were happier, and were more likely to receive the same support in emergencies.
They Strengthen The Family Dynamic
There is evidence that mental and overall health is improved by having a reliable support system in your friends and family, but is a strong family dynamic all you need? The family systems theory, founded by psychiatrist and professor Murray Bowen, explains the family dynamic as a system of close-knit individuals that have a strong emotional bond and depend on one another for support. The theory also explains that strengthening an already close family unit via the family triangle approach can bring stability during times of crisis.
The family triangle approach refers to a group of three family members within the unit that serve as the building blocks of a robust emotional support system. For instance, when conflict arises between two members of the triangle, they may unintentionally bring in another family member as a mediator to ease the tension of the situation by placing part of the blame on the third member. This filters out some of the tension in the family unit, making it easier to put the conflict to rest for a short time.
This is an organic reaction to conflict within any family unit, and it’s not necessarily bad if you approach it the right way. Remember that to make this a successful part of the resolution, you’ll need to consider being direct in communicating, set boundaries for how future conflicts will be handled, keep your sense of self intact, and seek family therapy when necessary. All of these steps will provide the tools needed to strengthen the family dynamic and, at the very least, optimize how communication is handled.
Final Thoughts
Support systems highlight the importance of staying in regular contact with your family and friends, strengthen those relationships from within, and improve mental and physical health. Studies conducted by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the University of Utah, and the University of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa show that a lack of a support system can increase stress, risks of heart risks, and increased emotional distress when managing diabetes diagnoses. For these reasons, it’s good to keep your friends and family close to you, regularly socialize, and ask for support when needed to ensure better physical and emotional health.
.Disclaimer: This article provides information that does not replace physician advice. Please contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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