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According to a report by the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, one in six American adults faces mental health problems.
The conditions that lead to these problems range from mild to debilitating. The good news is that, in most cases, adults can take the necessary steps to reclaim control of their lives. This includes understanding the importance of a support system, which may include not just family and friends but even strangers.
The definition of a support system is a network of people that can provide practical or emotional support. These support systems will help improve your overall health and have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Having a support system means that you have people to rely on when you need them the most. It means that there are people you can lean on whenever you are in a tough situation.
Just some of the important aspects of a strong support system include social support, positive influence, healthy distractions and random check-ins.
When you experience a particularly bad mental health episode, you may feel unwilling to reach out to others for help. You may find yourself turning down dates and get-togethers. People who are respectful of your time and space will back off and allow you to come around on your own.
This is a healthy approach, but there is a line that the people closest to you need to draw. You may not even realize how withdrawn you have become until someone reaches out and asks, "Are you okay?" This may provide that boost you need to refocus and start working on your recovery process again.
These are just some of the many benefits of having a support system. Each case is different, and you may experience benefits completely unique to your situation.
All of us need support, because, after all, we are social creatures, and life isn't easy, so don't do it alone.