Knit your (support) network

Throughout our lives, we all go through more than one difficult time. Human existence itself is comprised of ups and downs: happy moments and periods of sadness. Stress, illness and loss are an almost intrinsic part of our time on this planet. However, receiving support during these difficult stages can make all the difference in dealing with the challenges that come our way.

Support in life can come in more ways than one: on the face of a friend, in a counseling room, in the embrace of your family, or even in a group of strangers. No matter what support looks like for you, creating a network made up of people who listen to you, understand you and offer you help when you need it most is essential to successfully face the challenges that come our way.

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According to an article published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), having a social support network has been associated with better physical and mental health, greater resilience, and greater ability to cope with stress. For us, this makes a lot of sense, because by having someone to share our feelings and thoughts with, we can alleviate our emotional burden and reduce the levels of stress that affect both our body and our mind. In addition, in accordance with the American Psychological Association (APA), loneliness is linked to high blood pressure levels, low immune response, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

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Beyond the health benefits of having a support network, having people who care about you by your side allows you to see situations from a different perspective and less tainted by your negative thoughts. This also facilitates the exchange of advice and stories about positive experiences. When you know that behind you there are people ready to catch you if you fall, it's easier to keep a positive attitude, face new challenges and prioritize your self-care. By sharing the burden you carry on your shoulders with your peers and delegating responsibilities, you can find the much needed balance between your work and personal life, avoid burnout and increase your overall quality of life.

However, in the darkest and most difficult moments of our lives, we often tend to believe that no one cares about us, which gives us the feeling of not having a support system to activate. Don't worry, here are three tips for activating or building a solid and beneficial support network:

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1. Call your friends or family: even if it doesn't seem like it at the moment, these are people who love you and care about you. You don't need to tell them everything you're going through. Sending a text message with a simple “hello” can reactivate a relationship that could be of great help to you.
2. Get closer to people with the same interests as you: Joining a gym, reading circle, class or club will help you meet more people who could become the support system you need. If you don't feel like talking to people you already know, this could be a great option for you.
3. Download Mindsurf: in our application you will find support groups for people with depression or anxiety who are probably going through a situation very similar to yours. The sessions are accompanied by two therapists and are aimed at allowing each member to share their experiences and the tools they use to reduce the symptoms of their condition. To do this, you just have to download the app to your phone and join the group at the appropriate time.

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Now you know, having a strong support network is not only crucial for overcoming difficult times, but essential for a full and healthy life in all aspects. Through friends, family, or online support groups such as Mindsurf, you can create meaningful connections that will improve your quality of life. Don't underestimate the power of the company! No one, absolutely no one, can handle everything alone.

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