As you navigate life’s ups and downs, you may come to realize that you can’t always go it alone. Whether you are having a baby, moving away from home, going to college, or starting a business, a trustworthy support system is vital to your success. You don’t need to be battling addiction or depression to benefit from a support system: if you are dealing with high stress due to work, school, or relationship problems, a support system can make a difference.

Your support system can be there to guide you on the days when you simply don’t have the strength to pull through. Make sure that you are connected with people in your life who want to see you succeed. Whether they’re your family, friends, or colleagues, a support system is a team of people who want to help you be your best.

Who Should Be Part of Your Support System?

Most people think of their support system as made up of close friends and family members, and that’s certainly common, though you can also receive valuable support from someone you just met. While the people in your support system don’t have to occupy specific roles in your life, they should all want the same things for you. Keep your eyes open for people who care wherever you go. You can also forge valuable, supportive relationships with your mentors and sponsors in sobriety.

At some point, you may have to accept the fact that some of the people who you might normally expect to be part of your support system may not be the ones coming to the rescue if you are struggling with addiction or depression. Not everyone in your life will agree with big personal decisions like having a baby, moving, or getting sober. While these are all decisions that warrant support, not everyone will automatically support you. If this applies to you, then it may be beneficial to open your mind to different avenues of support. Anyone who loves you and has your best interest in mind has the potential to act as a part of your support system.

What Makes Someone a Healthy Source of Support?

Certain qualities are useful to look for as you seek support from the people around you. Although these are each important traits, an individual doesn’t have to possess all of them to act as a healthy source of support. Some characteristics that indicate a potentially supportive relationship include integrity, caring, trustworthiness, dependability, and empathy. It’s important to trust that the people in your support system will handle your relationship with tact and confidentiality. You also want to be sure that you connect with people who you can count on to be there and react with appropriate care in your time of need.

The people in your support system are there to uplift you, which means they will accept you for who you are even if the two of you are completely different. When life gets challenging, they will be there to listen as you share intimate thoughts, feelings, and experiences. No matter what their relationship may be to you, people with these qualities are the ones who can help you make it through life with confidence. 

Returning the Favor

The fact that your support system consists of people who want the best for you is not something to take for granted. It’s just as important to show them their support doesn’t go unnoticed. In some cases, you won’t even have to go far to show appreciation; sometimes simply showing improvement can speak for itself. If you are being supported on your road to recovery, then simply staying sober can show your appreciation and commitment. One of the most important parts of getting sober is wanting it for yourself. If the people in your support system see that you are making decisions that align with your values, they will realize that their efforts were not in vain.  

If you feel that the level of support you’ve received has made a profound difference, there are more ways you can show appreciation to the people who have helped you. Acts of service, gifts, and words of affirmation are a good start to returning the support. Some people might be fine with a simple “thank you”; others will enjoy a card or a more intentional gift. Taking the time out to find out how you can support them in the best way you can is a great way to show appreciation for the ways they’ve supported you.

Your support system is a key component of a balanced life in general, and especially so in times of need. It doesn’t take a matter of life and death for you to benefit from a trustworthy support network; everyone eventually needs support from their friends or family at some point, so you don’t have to wait for a crisis to form meaningful relationships with people who have your back. It doesn’t have to be hard to find helpful sources of support. Keep your eyes peeled for those who are there for you when things get hard, and look for traits like trustworthiness, dependability, and empathy. You can also access personal guidance at recovery facilities like Kimberly Center. We provide individualized care to address your specific needs and connect you with caring treatment professionals who can offer support and assistance at every step of the way. Call us at (855) 452-3683 to learn more.