The National Institute of Health study found that a social network of varying supports is an important factor in an individual’s mental health. Social support can influence many aspects of our mental health such as resiliency, self-esteem, decision-making skills, and achieving goals. Support networks can be comprised of Emotional support, Instrumental support, and Information support.
Elizabeth Janca, an experienced school administrator, licensed professional counselor, and Possip Reporter discusses the types of supports and importance of a support network.
Emotional Supports
Emotional supports are individuals who show us love, care, and reassurance. These individuals often show that they are actively listening and empathizing with what we are experiencing. An emotional support makes us feel valued and gives us a sense of belonging.
Think about the people in your life who you see on a regular basis. Who are some individuals who provide acceptance and support for you? For some people, this is parents, grandparents, and friends.
Consider times where you have turned to the individuals you identified. When were they helpful for you? For some people, social supports are necessary in times of grief, making hard decisions, and during stressful times. In addition to our coping skills, social supports can provide assistance in self-regulation.
Instrumental Supports
Instrumental supports are the tangible aid, or action, that individuals do to support us. Instrument support includes things such as doing the shopping for a sick friend or helping someone with chores around the house.
Consider the group you thought about for social supports. How do these individuals aid you in accomplishing tasks? Maybe a parent helps you make the first call for your first doctor’s appointment at 18 or a friend helps you clean up your room so you can go to the movies later.
Informational Supports
Informational supports are the advice, guidance, and assistance individuals can give us in problem-solving. Consider who you turn to when you have a question about an assignment, homework, or a job application. Parents, teachers, administration, and counselors can be great sources of informational support as they can share their life experiences. Informational supports can also help inform how we approach cognitive distortions.
Consider the Following:
- Which support do you utilize the most?
- Which support do you utilize the least?
- How can you increase access to supports?
We naturally can come across supports through family and school settings. Consider other places where you can meet people or seek support. These may include religious settings, libraries, and parks. Now, consider activities where you can meet people or seek support. Examples of this are clubs, hobbies, and sports. Lastly, think about different mediums in which you can connect with supports. Texting, phone calls, messaging on social media, sending memes, and video calls are all great ways to connect with our supports.
Conclusion
Understanding the various types of support—emotional, instrumental, and informational—is crucial for mental health. Emotional support enriches our sense of belonging, instrumental support aids in daily tasks, and informational support guides us through decision-making processes. Building a strong support network is not just beneficial; it’s necessary for fostering resilience, self-esteem, and overall mental wellness. Whether through family, school, community activities, or digital communication, actively seeking and maintaining these relationships can dramatically enhance our ability to manage life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.
