Mental health is a
topic that has gained increasing attention in recent decades — as it should.
With the expansion of awareness on this vital realm of well-being, those who
struggle with negative thought patterns or mental health conditions are able to
see that they are not alone. Shedding light on issues also provides the space
for growth and healing, both mental and physical.
اضافة اعلان
Recent research aims to understand the effects of
support — primarily social — as a key impacting factor for mental health. A
proper understanding of different types of social support can allow individuals to seek out those who can help when suffering from mental health conditions.
Others, through a proper understanding of the role of support, can better help
friends or loved ones who are dealing with challenging times.
At its core, social support consists of networks of
friends, family, and others to whom an individual can turn in times of need. A
support system will provide assistance in times of crisis, or simply daily
doses of much-needed affirmation and companionship. When you have positive
people in your life, they can help you make healthy choices in terms of diet,
exercise, and smoking. And arguably the greatest benefit that social support
provides is stress reduction, with many studies showing that those with strong
support systems have low levels of stress and, subsequently, lead healthier
lives.
On the other hand, those who lack sufficient social
support are more likely to suffer from depression, experience loneliness, and
have altered brain function, according to studies. When it comes to
physical health, low levels of social support can increase the risk of alcohol abuse and
suicide.
Types of social support
Social support falls into
four main categories. The first is known as emotional support, often consisting
of actions and words that express feelings such as concern, empathy, and
sympathy. Emotional support can also be physical, expressed through hugs or
other affectionate gestures.
Esteem support
(sometimes called appraisal support) is similar to emotional support, but
instead of expressions of empathy, esteem support offers confidence and
encouragement, reminding the person of their capabilities and empowering them
to self-evaluate more effectively. Therapists and life coaches often provide
this form of support, but it can and should also be received from those closest
to an individual.
The third type of social support is known as
informational support, and takes a slightly different approach. Whereas esteem
and emotional support provide relatability, informational support is quite
objective. It most commonly comes in the form of advice, suggestions, or
information on a particular issue or situation. Although it may seem
impersonal, informational support can be just as important as other types. In
many cases, fear of the unknown and a lack of perspective can cause or
perpetuate an issue. Informational support can help bring clarity and
understanding to the individual suffering from mental health difficulties.
The final form of social support is very impactful:
tangible support, sometimes referred to as instrumental support, is the act of
providing a service or physical aid to someone in need, or alleviating
responsibilities so that they can focus on the issue at hand. This type of
support is especially effective when offered in tandem with other types.
A vital need for
young Jordanians
A recent study conducted in
Jordan examined the prevalence of mental distress and social support among
university students. Mental distress is often described as a collection of symptoms such
as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. It was found that 65.7 percent
of participants experienced mental distress. However those with a strong social
support system experienced less severe distress, a result attributed primarily
to reduced levels of stress. Additionally, it was found that, most commonly,
support systems were made up of family members.
Another study conducted on school-age students in
Irbid corroborates published data on the benefits of social support. It was
found that those who had healthy levels of support experienced higher levels of
self-esteem and satisfaction with their lives. Social support was also found to
reduced symptoms of depression. The key to adolescent mental health, according
to the study, was family support. The research also suggested raising awareness
concerning the impact of support on student’s well-being.
How to support a loved one
Supporting those who are in
your life is just as important as receiving support. So what type of social
support should you offer? One study showed that the benefits of informational
support are limited — but no amount of esteem support was considered too much.
Translation: boost your loved one’s confidence with kind, affirming words and
encouragement.
Another study found that the type of support needed
may depend on factors such as gender and age. For example, older women tended
to need more emotional support, whereas older men required tangible support.
Mental health disorders can be especially difficult
to cope with and require extra support. If you want to assist someone with a
mental health disorder, it is important to educate yourself on the condition
(consider speaking to a healthcare provider). Most importantly, show your loved
one that you are there for them for the long haul and will continue to care for
them, no matter what.
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