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Social support is an undeniable and unassailable essence of society – mainly instrumental for the mental well-being of people living in the society. Research from psychology, psychiatry and public health suggests that individuals who have strong ties with and support from people surrounding them tend to have much better mental health than those who lack in having such social integration.
As per the American Psychological Association (ASA), social support is the provision of assistance or comfort to others, typically to help them cope with biological, psychological, and social stressors.
Social support can take different forms, including material support (providing physical items such as food or money), emotional support (such as listening and showing concern), and informational support (such as offering advice or guidance).
It can come from various sources, including family, friends, colleagues, or broader social networks.
In particular, consider a patient with first-stage cancer undergoing treatment might have a chance of having enough strength to manage his or her emotions and nurture the hope of recovery if he or she has close-knit family bonds and strong friendships.
Research by Helgeson & Cohen in 1996 on Social Support in Breast Cancer Patients reveals that a woman with breast cancer having strong support from friends and family experienced lower levels of depression and anxiety during their treatment than those who had less support. Social support helped them regulate the emotional burden of their illness and improved their mental well-being by fostering hope and lowering their feeling of loneliness.
Dr. Evelyn F. Acoba, from Central Luzon State University, emphasizes that family support significantly alleviates perceived stress, which in turn heightens positive emotions and decreases anxiety and depression.
To realize the essence of social support, we need to understand what one may confront in society; it may take a toll on mental health can be in the form of poverty, unemployment, social isolation or loneliness, discrimination and racism, domestic violence, substance abuse, workplace stress, cyberbullying, homelessness, and family breakdown.
To overcome these issues with constructive backing, social integration could be essential in managing emotion, promoting a sense of belonging, finding coping mechanisms for uncertain situations, and supporting positive cognitive functions. Here are some key take ways to promote mental health through building a supportive community:
Providing emotional support
People often find themselves trapped in severe depression or anxiety and are very isolated from society. A word of care and love or an attitude of being a good listener to their problems may lessen the burden they bear. So, providing them with perspectives and guidance could help them manage their emotions in challenging situations.
Encouraging social connections
Social networks play a paramount role in creating a sense of belonging and preventing them from being isolated from society at large. Positive relationships always contribute to growing confidence and creating a sense of worth and self-esteem.
It also works as a buffer against the negative impact created on thought by job loss, family conflicts, and illness.
Motivations and profound guidance from family and friends and institutions providing therapy are there to help maintain a balanced lifestyle so that one can find the best coping mechanisms.
Reframing thought pattern
A renowned way to reframe the thought process of humans, which is much used in psychology, is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a method of changing how a person thinks and acts.
One can support a depressed person by using persuasive and positive words to change the thought pattern with positive emotions, consequently derailing the native ones.
Creating a supportive environment
We should allow people to share their emotions without fear of criticism. People will not be judged in their challenging situations in this supportive environment. Instead, they will be guided with positive and persuasive guidance, maintaining privacy.
Encouraging professional help
If someone is seen powering through challenging situations, the nearest people, family members or friends encourage them to seek professional help.
One may help them find the best therapist or attend the appointments if they feel comfortable. Conclusively, social support matters significantly for mental well-being through the contribution of different aspects– emotional, instrumental, informational, and integration to improved mental health outcomes.
Thus, individuals who feel supported in their tough times tend to experience less depression, anxiety, and stress; they enjoy enhanced resilience and, on the whole, psychological well-being.