Having a support system gives you, well, support. It’s great to be independent and self-sufficient, but it takes a village. You aren’t expected to go about life alone. We need people. People need us.
It’s proven that having a support system can actually decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. Having friends can increase your self-esteem, self-worth, and a sense of purpose. Having a support system increases your overall well-being.
What is a Support System?
When going through anxiety, depression, a break-up, or any difficult time in your life, it’s essential to have a support system. Support systems come in all shapes and sizes. They can consist of family, friends, or both. They can be a boyfriend or partner. Size does not matter.
No matter who makes up your support system, you should feel comfortable around them. They should be reliable and supportive. They are people you can be honest with. They can give you advice. But most importantly, they are there for you when you need them.
What is a Support System?
When going through anxiety, depression, a break-up, or any difficult time in your life, it’s essential to have a support system. Support systems come in all shapes and sizes. They can consist of family, friends, or both. They can be a boyfriend or partner. Size does not matter.
No matter who makes up your support system, you should feel comfortable around them. They should be reliable and supportive. They are people you can be honest with. They can give you advice. But most importantly, they are there for you when you need them.
The Importance of Having a Support System
When life gives you lemons, you turn to your friends. Friends can help you overcome hardships. They can be that shoulder to cry on. Venting to a friend can help you get your feelings out and help you to organize your thoughts and feelings.
Beyond having a friend that listens to you, friends can actually encourage you to reach your goals. They can push you to end bad habits. They can make sure you aren’t talking to your toxic ex, that you’re sticking to that diet you started, or that you’re hitting the gym as you planned on doing. Friends can be that extra push you need sometimes.
Having friends gives you purpose. Being reliable for others is important in a friendship. When you can be there for others, you feel worthy and more confident. Having others that you can rely on can give you a sense of belonging and happiness.
Benefits of Having a Support System
Love is all you need, as said by the Beatles. Having friends around you that show you love is known to build happiness and overall well-being. When you isolate yourself from others, you are at risk of developing depression; friends who love and support you decrease the likelihood of isolation.
A support system can decrease the likelihood of depression along with other mental health issues. Low self-esteem is another one that having friends combats. Feeling down on yourself is taken away when you have friends around you to uplift you.
How to Build a Support System
Making friends isn’t always easy. Especially as you grow older and everyone around you is on different pages. If you feel like your support system is lacking, don’t hesitate to try some of these:
- Go to a workout class instead of going to the gym alone
- Volunteer for a cause you care about
- Say YES
- Try new things
- Start a new hobby
- Stop turning down invitations
Being a Part of Your Support System
It is essential to be your own best friend. There is no other relationship more important than the relationship you have with yourself. The way you treat yourself is the utmost important care that you can receive.
Make sure you are kind to yourself in your words and in your actions. If you don’t already have a self-care regimen, adopt one. Make sure your health needs are met. You visit the doctor when you need to, take baths, get massages, give yourself facials, manicures, etc. Taking care of yourself comes first.
Having a positive relationship with yourself has the same benefits as having friends. Your self-worth increases. When you feel good about yourself, your self-esteem is heightened. When you take care of yourself, you are more capable of taking care of others.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Building a Support System
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is an evidence-based treatment modality. This type of therapy focuses on thoughts. It is known that thoughts lead to feelings which lead to behaviors. When you target your thoughts and change them, you can change the way you feel and act.
The messages you tell yourself create the way you feel. If you have a hard time making or keeping friends, you most likely send yourself negative messages. Become mindful of the types of thoughts you have. Negative thoughts lead to negative feelings.
Telling yourself things like “I’m not good enough,” “Nobody will like me,” or “I’m boring” will lead you to feel sad, lonely, and less likely to go out and socialize with your support system or build a new one. Changing these thoughts to more positive ones will change your mood. Work to change your thoughts to things like “I am enough,” “I am loved and supported,” “I attract positive people into my life.”
Therapy in Ft. Lauderdale
If you are struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I can help you change the relationship you have with yourself and with others. Like I said, the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself. Together we can work to make that stronger. My office is located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I’m an expert in all things anxiety and self-esteem. Don’t hesitate to call me at Essence of Healing Counseling Services at 954-526-4006. Schedule your first free 20-minute phone consultation or book your first appointment.
You Know That Nagging, Voice of Self-Doubt in Your Head? Tell It to Shut Up.
With therapy for anxiety, self esteem, or migraines, I can help you build an arsenal of tools you can use to achieve the life you deserve. Believe me. You got this!
Therapy & Coaching at Essence of Healing Counseling Services
Roberta Alves is a Therapist and Development Coach at Essence of Healing Counseling, located in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, FL. She is also a Certified Anxiety Specialist who uses the solution focused and evidence based therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy. Research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy is proven to be extremely effective in treating anxiety and improving self-esteem. Roberta provides counseling services to her clients who live in Ft. Lauderdale and the surrounding South Florida areas in her office in downtown. If you want to learn proven techniques to overcome stress, improve your self-esteem, and achieve your goals, call (954) 526-4006 to schedule an appointment today.
