3 Advantages of Having A Strong Support System - COPE

3 Advantages of Having A Strong Support System

Have you ever taken a step back to realize how empowering it is to have people who want you to succeed? Having a strong support system is one of the most meaningful and advantageous aspects of life.

We all need to have people who are there for us and invested in our happiness no matter what. These connections bring a greater overall sense of ease and fulfillment to our lives, ensuring we aren’t alone when life throws us curveballs.

Here are three reasons to consider reinforcing your social network and why having a supportive one is so important:

Strong support systems can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety

With all the demands of modern life, suffering from high stress, depression, and anxiety is extremely common. Feelings and symptoms associated with these conditions can prevent you from being productive in school or at work. They can lead to negative patterns that negatively affect your life in general.

Especially when you feel lonely, depression and anxiety can become an overwhelming aspect of your life. Studies have shown that lonely and isolated people are more likely to experience mental health issues than those who feel supported by their friends and loved ones.

It’s important to take care of these mental health issues so you can begin to feel better. The good news is there are many ways to improve your mental health. And while there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, incorporating a strong support system into this strategy can have profound mental and emotional effects.

Strong support systems can reinforce resilience and coping skills

Life is hard sometimes, and no matter who you are or where you come from, life throws challenges constantly. A great deal of our happiness depends on how we cope with these challenges. People with strong social support networks are more likely to manage difficult circumstances effectively.

When you have a strong support system, you may not feel as overwhelmed by your problems because you have the reassurance of others who want you to overcome them. These same supportive people are typically the ones from whom we learn helpful coping strategies.

For example, have you ever had a close friend go through a similar painful situation? Perhaps they were able to provide some perspective or teach you about how they bounced back from it.

Even the best of us may experience some very challenging times that seem insurmountable at first. Having people in your life that you can turn to for help and encouragement makes a significant difference in how well you’ll handle tough times.

Strong support systems have been shown to increase longevity

With all the benefits of social support, from reducing stress and blood pressure to improving self-esteem, it’s no wonder why people with robust personal relationships live longer lives with greater well-being.

When those closest to you are invested in ensuring your long-term wellness, you are more likely to follow their lead or advice. This is especially true if their influences involve making positive changes to your lifestyle, like exercising or eating more nutritious food.

That said, longevity isn’t the only thing that matters. When you have people in your life who care about you, achieving your long-term goals and feeling fulfilled — health or happiness — becomes even more possible. So when it comes to strong support systems, leading a long and happy life goes hand in hand.