Social support refers to the assistance, care, and validation that individuals receive from their social networks, including friends, family, peers, and communities. I would like to narrate my personal experience to highlight how crucial having a strong social support system is that, as a fresher in college, my first few months were a little “rocky”, it was not because I was unable to find friends, I found an amazing bunch, however, I still felt lost, I felt I was losing control of my absolutely perfect life and I am sure a lot of college students experience the same. During those times, I confided in my parents, my usually strict parents made it a point to see me smile again, my entire family, school and college friends supported me throughout and after a few weeks, I started smiling again. better and my social circle healed me. Hence, if you, my friends, are going through anything similar, anything which is consuming you internally and you haven’t had the courage to talk to some one, please do reach out to anyone you trust, anyone who will be there for you during your lows and will proudly watch you shine during your highs.

Social support can be emotional, informational, instrumental, or appraisal-based, and it plays a crucial role in promoting well-being and resilience.

1.    Emotional Support: This involves empathy, understanding, and expressions of care and concern. Emotional support provides comfort and reassurance during times of stress, grief, or emotional turmoil.

2.    Instrumental Support: This type of support involves tangible assistance, such as financial aid, practical help with tasks, or logistical support. Instrumental support addresses specific needs and can be particularly valuable during times of crisis or practical challenges.

3.    Informational Support: Informational support involves providing advice, guidance, or information relevant to a person's situation or problem. This type of support helps individuals make informed decisions and navigate challenging circumstances more effectively.

4.    Appraisal Support: Appraisal support involves feedback, validation, and affirmation of one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It helps individuals evaluate their situations, perceptions, and coping strategies, fostering a sense of confidence and self-worth.

How Having a Strong Social Circle Makes You Happier

Having access to a strong social circle may profoundly impact various aspects of one’s life. The reasons being :-

·       Emotional Support: A strong social circle presents a support system during difficult and taxing times. Whether one is dealing with personal setback, some kind of stress, or emotional struggle, having friends or family members who understand and care about them can make a significant difference in their emotional well-being.

·       Mental Health: Interacting with friends can uplift a person’s mood and alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation. Worthwhile social connections can also reduce the risk of developing mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

·       Physical Health: Studies have shown that individuals with strong social ties tend to have better physical health. Engaging in social activities can reduce stress levels, strengthen the immune system, and even lower the risk of chronic diseases.

·       Networking Opportunities: A meaningful social circle can provide valuable networking opportunities, both personally and professionally. Building relationships with diverse individuals can open doors to new experiences, career prospects, and collaborative projects.

·       Personal Growth: Interacting with people from different backgrounds and perspectives can broaden a person’s horizons and beliefs. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences, one can learn and grow as an individual.

·       Increased Happiness: Spending time with friends and loved ones often leads to moments of joy and laughter. Sharing experiences and creating memories with others can enhance an overall sense of happiness and fulfillment.

·       Coping Mechanism: During times of stress or adversity, having friends to lean on can serve as a valuable coping mechanism. Social support enhances individuals' coping resources by providing access to diverse perspectives, resources, and coping strategies. It encourages adaptive coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills, contributing to greater adaptive functioning.

·       Sense of Belonging: Being part of a social circle provides a person witha sense of belonging and community. Knowing that one have people who accept and care about you can boost your self-esteem and confidence. Social support contributes to a sense of belonging and connectedness within social networks and communities. It promotes social cohesion, trust, and reciprocity.

Photo by  Helena Lopes Team  on  Unsplash

How to Build a Healthy Social Circle

1.   Being Present: Active listening when interacting with others is an essential component of building connections. Displaying  genuine interest by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and responding appropriately.

2.   Initiating Contact: Ty to take the initiative to start conversations and make plans. This shows that you value the relationship and want to nurture it.

3.   Finding Common Ground: Looking for shared interests, experiences, or values that one can bond over.

4.    Being Reliable: Being someone others can count on. Commitment and trust are cornerstones of bonding.

5.   Being Positive: Maintaining a positive attitude and trying to uplift others. Positivity is contagious and can help strengthen your social

6.   Being Authentic: Being yourself rather than trying to impress or please others. Authenticity builds trust and fosters deeper connections. Being honest is the strongest foundation of any relationship.

7.   Showing Empathy: Trying to understand the emotions and perspectives of others. Acknowledging their feelings and offering support when needed.

8.   Staying in Touch: Keeping a regular contact with friends and acquaintances through calls, messages, or meetups.

Social support is essential for promoting health, well-being, and quality of life. Research has consistently shown that social support is linked to better physical and mental health outcomes. Strong social ties are associated with lower rates of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, as well as higher levels of subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Indeed, every Sheldon needs a Leonard, every Piku needs her Baba and every Ishaan needs a Nikumbh.

For professional support, get in touch with us at Heart It Out.