Lean on Me: Why People with a Mental Health Crisis Need a Support Network
Social connections is needed for human beings. The root of it all is from our ancestors needing to stick together to stay alive. Back in the day, individuals who strayed from the group had a more difficult time surviving the elements and not dying from starvation.
Now a days it may be safer to be an individual, It is still not healthy for us to be isolated, isolation undoubtedly threatens a person’s mental well-being.
This is the reason why people suffering from depression and other mental health issues need the love and encouragement from a support network.
Social Connection: An Important Part of Depression Recovery
An individual that suffers from depression, tend to live with a constant pit of despair at their side. Every moment hurts and the truth about life remains elusive.
When we feel these dark feelings, we tend to isolate ourselves. But this only makes things worst.
Recovering from depression is a complex process but you don’t have to be alone in the process. Surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones, you can continue to feel genuine connections, and each one of those connections is a light that can remove yourself from the darkness.
Research suggests there is a connection between social relationships and many different aspects of a person’s mental health and wellness. This is the reason that mental health professionals often discuss the importance of having a strong social network.
Get Yourself Social Support
Social support comes in many different forms. Sometimes you might need help with daily tasks if you are struggling with depression. Sometimes you may need an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on, and sometimes you may need some sound advice.
Whatever it is that you may be going through and whatever kind of help you may need, listed below are some ways you can build a support network of people care for you.
1. Create a List
Make a list of people whether is friends, family members, or colleagues that have supported you in the past.
2. Make a Commitment
Make sure you make a commitment to yourself to reach out to someone on your list every week (if not more). You can do communicate with them through a phone call, text, email, or in person.
3. Be Honest
By being honest is the only way the ones that love you can support you. When reaching out, share what it is that you are thinking about and how you are feeling. Be open about any struggles you are dealing with and make sure to be open to any feedback or advice.
4. Get Out – When Possible
With COVID still affecting our lives, it’s not always easy to get out and be social in person but doing so is remarkably helpful and healing for our mental health. Phone calls and emails work in a pinch, but nothing beats spending time with loved ones in person.
It’s also important to mention that sometimes we need a bit more help than our loved ones can give. If, after forming your support network, you feel that you need additional help, it’s vital you reach out to a mental health specialist. They can give you tools and strategies that will help you recover from depression.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss how we may be able to help.
Other Services At The MindFul Practice in Winter Park, FL
Our Orlando therapists offer anxiety treatment, depression treatment, and trauma therapy. As well as post-bariatric surgery therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and EMDR Therapy. We also offer counseling for teens, life transitions, and grief. These services are offered in person at our Winter Park, FL office and online throughout the state of Florida.
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