The road to mental health recovery is not an easy one. However, having the right support around you can help ease the burden.
Social support refers to the network of people including your family, friends and community members who you can rely on during challenging times. Humans are social creatures, and we need to feel a sense of safety and belonging to live a fulfilling life. In fact, social support is strongly linked to our happiness levels and can even increase our life expectancy by 45%. This reflects how powerful social support is in our mental health journey.
So, what is Social Support?
Social support can come in many shapes and forms but at its core, it is the idea of “community”. You may choose to rely on your friends and family, or even support groups in the community you live in. Social support encompasses various forms:
Emotional Support – Offering understanding, validation and reassurance to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness (e.g. hugs, active listening)
Instrumental Support – Being physically available to help them with practical tasks and responsibilities (e.g. doing housework, delivering meals, running errands)
Informational Support – Providing guidance in the form of advice or insights to help the individual make informed decisions when navigating challenges (e.g. legal, medical, financial advice)
Appraisal Support – Building up the individual's self-esteem or confidence through encouragements and positive framing (e.g. pointing out the individual's strengths)
Each type of social support enhances mental health recovery and acts as a protective factor, preventing further declines in your mental well-being. In the 2016 Singapore Mental Health Study, individuals with a strong social support system had better mental health outcomes. Being surrounded by people who love and care for you can build your mental resilience, drastically improving your mental well-being.
Challenges in Accessing Social Support
Despite the growing awareness of mental health, many individuals in Singapore still lack adequate social support. This is partially because symptoms of anxiety and depression can cause people to withdraw from social circles, making it harder for them to engage with social support. Furthermore, many do not seek support due to fear of judgment, rejection or simply a lack of awareness about available resources. These barriers, fueled by the persistent stigma around mental health, prevents individuals from receiving the support they need. Addressing these challenges is essential to building a more mentally resilient and supportive society.
Take a moment to reflect on your social support system. Ask yourself:
Who is trustable that I can turn to for emotional support? Do I feel comfortable opening up to them?
Are there any relationships in my life that make me feel drained or unsupported?
How can I be a better source of support for others in my life? When others share their troubles with me, do I make a conscious effort to create a meaningful connection with them?
Social support is a fundamental stepping stone to recovering from a mental health challenge. It fosters a sense of belonging, safety and validation, empowering the individual on their journey of mental health recovery. While social support has profound benefits, it is often insufficient in dealing with mental health challenges. When dealing with a mental health disorder, it is crucial to seek advice from a mental health professional. With social support alongside professional help, you can be empowered to manage mental health challenges in a healthy and effective way.