Over 20% of the adult U.S. population is living with a mental health issue. With so many people living with these issues, it’s important for people to understand that they can take measures to reduce mental health disorder symptoms. And, that there are things they can do to help assist them on their journey to mental wellbeing. One of the things people living with these issues can do is understand how important a support system is for the success of mental health recovery and invest in their personal social support system.

What’s a Social Support System?

A social support system is a community of individuals that you place around yourself to encourage you and support your recovery journey. Furthermore, these individuals can provide you with comfort in your time of emotional need. Having a social support system means that you have people in place to rely on and trust. This way, if you ever need them during times of distress, you know they’ll be there for you and keep your best interests in mind.

The Importance of Sustaining a Social Support System

Studies show that establishing a social support system can reduce the chance of relapse for people in addiction recovery. Furthermore, having a social support system can also improve overall mental wellbeing, allow individuals in recovery to practice coping skills they’ve learned in treatment with those they can trust, and even reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Without a system of support, individuals in recovery may get lonely, feeling hopeless, and begin to avoid the things they need to do to remain sober. So, having a support system is very important in recovery from addiction. And, is a major part of having the encouragement and affirmation needed to remain sober and live a life in recovery.

What to do to Build Your Very Own Support Network

Many don’t have friends and family put in place that they can rely on to encourage their sobriety journey when they begin treatment. But, fortunately, there are ways that individuals in the early stages of recovery can begin to build their own support network. Support doesn’t always have to come from friends or family that you’ve had prior to treatment. Rather, you can develop the relationships you need starting now!

Some things you can do to build your own network of support can include:

• joining support groups in your home community
• taking part in adult sporting teams
• enrolling in community classes
• getting a gym membership and going to group exercise classes
• making friends in your treatment groups/sober living homes/etc.
• taking a look at the people in your life already and determine who has supported your sobriety the most thus far and who has the best positive influence on your life
• being more willing to accept help from those who love you

Finding Support at the Sanctuary Centre in Boca Raton

Undoubtedly, some of the best people you can have in your support network are people who encourage and support your sobriety. And, the individuals in your treatment team and those you meet in treatment can be that support for you as well as your loved ones! Find out more about how you can get the support you need by joining a community of treatment on our website today.