Don’t Go It AloneFinding Help in Hard Times

Social Support

• Help from family, friends, caregivers, community associations, and self-help groups

• Meets needs that are not being met by other personal resources

• One of several personal resources

Social Support

Reduces our vulnerability or reaction to stress

Social Support

• People differ in their level of social support• This is due to variance in:

– Access to support – Social skills to build support– Willingness to use support

Increases Well Being

• Social support increases well-being in two ways– By increasing ones place in a

stable, nurturing network of support

– By providing needed resources in times of stress

When Social Support Helps

• Research shows that strong social support networks – Act as a daily stress reducer– Prevent disease– Guide positive decision making

Health Benefits of Social Support

• Increases immunity• Reduces premature death• Can help prevent the common cold

Identifying Sources of Social Support

• Beyond the obvious families and friends

• Church• Neighborhood babysitting coops• Community volunteer groups• Community agencies• Clubs – such as book clubs,

sewing clubs, dinner clubs, etc. • Networks of others

What Social Support Can Provide

• Information• Feedback and guidance• Influences to our belief

systems and ways of thinking• Helps in problem solving

Social Support Can Provide: cont.

• Material aid• Place to rest and recuperate• Reference group for decision

making• Source of identity• Emotional strength

Ways to Increase Social Support

• Get involved in your community• Reach out to others in your

community• Its important to develop social

support when you are not in crisis

When Social Support Is Not Enough

It is important to note that some crises require more help than can come from typical social

support networks…

Identifying Your Social SupportAssignment

• New Baby• Job Loss• Moving/ Relocation• Marital Change• Natural Disaster• Personal Illness• Family Change

Finding Help in Hard Times

Remember, You Don’t Have to

Go It Alone!

For more information please refer to the Don’t Go It Alone newsletter on your mini-CD