Support system refers to the group of people to whom we go and ask for assistance to sort out our problems. The people in our support system, not only support us, but also shower their care and respect for us. They are people who have concern for us and have our best interest in their mind. They provide us with genuine constructive feedback, advice and suggestions to get us out of our problems and ensure our growth.

Our support system usually includes our family, friends, colleagues and coaches.  We humans living in the world require different types of support.

1. Emotional Support– An expression of empathy- love, care, trust. We get emotional support usually from our family and friends.
2. Instrumental Support- Tangible aid and services. Also referred to as practical support. This comes usually from family and friends.
3.  Informational Support– Advice, Suggestions, Education- We derive it from colleagues and coaches.
4. Disclosure Support- Constructive feedback, helpful in self evaluation. Our friends, coaches and colleagues provide us such support.

 However, let us not forget that people are not the lone support system that human beings enjoy. There are a whole lot of other support systems for the modern man. 

It could be

1. Technology- Internet, Gadgets, Applications, Television, Automobiles and other things which make our life easy and convenient.
2. The beliefs– Our faith, trust and belief are also some kind of self support system in place.
3. Passion– The activity which we do, which we like, which lets us gets so engrossed without any distractions are also supportive in nature.
4. Places– There are places where we would like to be, at times and during seasons which fetches us a mind of serenity is also a form of support.

Ways to strengthen our support system.

1. Strengthen emotional bonding with family and friends.
2. Be a part of someone else’s support system to ensure that reciprocity works.
3. Expand your professional networks.
4. Find great mentors and superb coaches.
5. Collaborate with neighbours and co workers.

Story

A major flood swept through Cathy’s town, resulting in 4,000 homes and businesses being destroyed, unclean public water, limited access to local food, and displaced individuals with developmental disabilities. Cathy’s daughter, Sara, was one of the individuals displaced. She was able to leave her assisted living facility to be cared for by her family until the flooding ended. During this time, Cathy found it difficult to explain to Sara what was happening to them, to their neighbours, and to the larger community. “I had no resource other than radio, TV, and Facebook to help my daughter understand what had happened. Those items were helpful, but not concrete enough for her,” she says.

Cathy found a way to explain to Sara how the flooding was affecting everyone around them. She took Sara to the areas where stores and businesses had been flooded and also visited friends whose homes were flooded. Each of these things “did more to show her what was happening,” says Cathy.

Activity

Enlist few strategies to build up your support system

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Quote

“You can’t achieve anything entirely by yourself. There is a basic support system that is a basic requirement of human existence. To be happy and successful on earth, you just have to have people that you rely on “.               ~ Michael Schur

Takeaways

1. Support system refers to the group of people to whom we go and ask for assistance to sort out our problems. The people in our support system, not only support us, but also shower their care and respect for us.
2. Implement the 5 point strategy to strengthen our support system.