The Importance of a Support System

Having a support system is important for almost anything that you may experience. You can be going through hardships and know that there is at least one person that can help support you during your hardest times. On the other hand, you can be going through an incredibly positive moment in your life, and having somebody to share the news with is just as rewarding. Knowing that there is someone in your life who is willing to support you unconditionally is an amazing feeling. Sometimes having a support system can make all the difference in a person's life. It is believed that having a support system can reap many health benefits. 

As a current college student I can openly say that there are times when school can be tough, but having someone to talk to can motivate you to do better and even alleviate the stress that you are experiencing. If you have a close friend that you can talk to instead of bottling up your frustrations you can feel some relief, or maybe you feel more comfortable talking to a family member about your hardships. Some of us may not have an actively present support system in our lives and we may feel alone in our struggles, however, we live in a day and age where most of us have some access to the internet, and the internet, as well as our cell phones, have access to amazing resources that can help us.

When I wanted to talk to somebody anonymously I found a great online resource called the Crisis Text Line. When using the Crisis Text Line, you simply text the word ‘HOME’ to a certain number that is designated based on where you are located, such as the United States, United Kingdom, or Ireland. Within minutes you will be connected with a crisis counselor who can help with many different troubles that you may be experiencing, such as anxiety, depression, stress from school, suicidal thoughts, and more. This is a great resource for anyone experiencing a troubling moment and just talking to somebody can help you immensely. 

Having a support system is not only linked to improving mental health, but it can also be responsible for bettering one's physical health, especially concerning your cardiovascular health. For example, common symptoms of anxiety include a rapid heart rate, hyperventilation, and insomnia. All of these symptoms can negatively impact your mental and physical wellbeing, especially if these symptoms are being experienced regularly. Finding a source to talk to and to receive support from can alleviate these symptoms, and even if it is only temporary it can feel like a massive improvement in one's life, and it has the potential to equip you with the ability to cope with these symptoms in the future.  
    Reaching out for help can be terrifying especially when you do not know how the other person will react, but it can also be a rewarding experience that opens doors for your self-improvement. Whether you find support from your family and friends or an online crisis counselor such as from the Crisis Text Line, you may find yourself feeling better and perhaps better prepared for when you are feeling the same way as you did when you first sought out help. 

Here is a link to the Crisis Text Line website in case you may need it in the future:
https://www.crisistextline.org 

Sincerely, 
Diana

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