Social support as a resilient pillar

Having a strong social support network is a key protective factor that directly influences a person's ability to be resilient in the face of hardship and stress.

Positive psychology research consistently underscores that maintaining good social relationships is not only a major predictor of happiness. It also protects against physical and mental illness.

Nature of Social Support

Social support encompasses all the significant relationships a person maintains, including family, friends, colleagues and even cordial dealings with strangers. It's not just about having someone to confide in when things go wrong.

But also to share the good times and accomplishments. Feeling connected and supported by others provides a secure emotional base from which to face challenges.

Benefits of Social Support

When people are going through difficult situations, such as job loss or health problems, having a support network to turn to is crucial.

These connections offer practical help, emotional comfort and different perspectives that can facilitate overcoming the crisis.

Knowing that there are people who are willing to help and can be trusted reduces the feeling of loneliness and helplessness.

Moreover, offering social support can be even more beneficial to one's own well-being than receiving it.

The act of helping others, expecting nothing in return, not only strengthens bonds. It also increases one's own level of resilience.

Building and Maintaining a Support Network

To cultivate an effective social support network, it is important to be proactive. This includes spending time with existing relationships and being open to new connections. Some strategies include:

• Make phone calls or send emails to keep in touch with friends and family, even when nothing specific is needed, just to see how they are doing.

• Schedule regular meetings, such as lunches with colleagues or dinners with friends.

• Offer help to the people around us when we perceive that they may need it, without waiting for them to ask for it.

• Creating as broad a "social support group" as possible is an investment in one's own well-being. By helping others and being there for them, you build a reciprocal network that will be there when needed, thus strengthening individual and collective resilience.