Although you are probably aware that stress is bad for you, this doesn’t stop it from having an effect on your life sometimes. This is why you have to be able to lessen it when you can, in order to prevent it from causing you to become sick or have anxiety that interrupts your routine. Here’s a look at how you can get support that will hopefully guide you through the stresses you face each day.
Form a Support System to Lean On
You probably have friends and family members that you talk to on a daily or regular basis. What you may not think about is that these people likely make up your support system. Generally speaking, a support system is made up of people that you can trust to talk to you and offer advice on problem-solving. They are also able to act on things when you need them to. For example, a person that is in your support system can be contacted for support when you have a fight with your spouse, or if you need a ride to the hospital. These are just two examples, however. It is necessary to put some thought into the people that make up your support system, so you will know exactly who you are able to trust in specific situations. Some people may be your friends but tend to flake out when you require aid. Others might have already helped you through different problems and proven that they are loyal to you.
You may choose to only rely on your support system at certain times or for specific reasons. At the same time, it is important that they are actually supporting you. You should only count on people you trust. If you do not have anyone that you can trust, this is okay too, since there is additional help available.
Make sure that you aren’t putting too much on your support system. If you rely on others too much, they may not want to hear about bigger issues in your life. It is also a good idea to be in other’s support systems when you can. If a person knows they can call you when they have a problem, they may want to reciprocate for you. On the other hand, if they are unable to count on you when they need you, they may not want to help you in a pinch. This is something to consider.
Consider Therapy
Regardless of whether you have a strong support system or not, you can take advantage of therapy when you need it. A therapist can support you in many ways, including listening to you talk about things that are bothering you, as well as offering advice to help you work through issues that you are facing. In many cases, a psychologist will be able to apply different types of therapies, in an attempt to change behaviors or feelings, or to lessen certain symptoms you are experiencing. One way they may be able to help lessen stress in your life is through convergence psychology. Read more about convergence psychology from BetterHelp.
When it comes to working with a therapist, you are able to choose how you want to meet with them as well. You can take advantage of in-person therapy or work with a counselor through an online app. In terms of online therapy, there are multiple apps you can choose from, which allow you to work with a counselor wherever you are and whenever you are comfortable doing so. This makes the process more accessible for most people. However, you might be wondering if online therapy is as good as traditional therapy. There are multiple advantages when it comes to online therapy, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Support Groups
Another way you can attempt to get support is by joining support groups. There are many groups out there that may be applicable to your life. You can talk to your therapist about this, and they should be able to recommend specific ones to try. Moreover, sometimes there are groups that you can join on social media sites, which may act as support groups. These could be helpful when you are not able to physically meet with others or when you need support at an unconventional time. You might be able to learn from others in a support group and obtain different perspectives as well.
Conclusion
When you need support, there are a few ways in which you can get it. You can start by interacting with your support system, talk to a therapist, or even lean on a support group. There is no right or wrong answer, and you never know when someone will have advice that makes a difference, but you should remember that there is always help available to you.
About Author:
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.