The beneficial effects of social support on people is a rarely investigated topic, however, some studies have been done and have shown remarkable results.

One of the first studies of social support and its relationship to physical disease, found that heart disease was directly related to stressful events and that emotional support was beneficial in the course of the disease.

Social support is directly related to positive physical and mental health for us all and acts as a buffer between stressful life events and symptoms.

Recent studies have shown that social support is vital in maintaining good health and that socially isolated people get sick more often and have a more difficult time recovering from an illness. This is because our immune system is influenced by stress. Stress compromises our immune system and makes us more susceptible to infectious diseases. Laboratory evidence has demonstrated that when people are exposed to stress, emotional support reduces the rise of blood pressure and the increased secretion of damaging stress related hormones. Social support reduces stress, improves physical health and helps us live longer.

Other studies have shown that social support predicts depression in elderly people. Although elderly people may be more likely to experience depression, a recent study from China showed that social support may play a role in moderating the degree of depression in elderly people. Another study published in 2014 in the journal, Disability and Rehabilitation, found that older people who had little social support, especially from friends or family, were more likely to experience depression. Other studies have shown that the need for social support differs over time and increases according to age.

TYPES OF SOCIAL SUPPORT

There are two main types of social support.

Emotional support involves acting as a confidant for someone. For example, you might offer emotional support to someone by listening and offering sympathy after they’ve had bad news. You may find emotional support through family and friends, pets, a strong faith, or involvement in supporting a cause or sports team. Caring for someone else may provide you with welcome emotional support, of the mutual kind. Emotional support is important so you can feel valued, accepted and not judged or discriminated against. A very good definition of social support was offered by esteemed US psychiatrist Sidney Cobb. Dr Cobb said social support is the “individual belief that one is cared for and loved, esteemed and valued and belongs to a network of communication and mutual obligations.”

Instrumental support is offering help in a tangible way, such as providing financial assistance or making dinner for someone who is bedridden. Simply perceiving that you have social support seems to be particularly important. You can find social support through family and partners, through clubs or through support groups. Another key part of social support requires others to be informed about the challenges you are facing, to help minimise misunderstandings and stigma. This includes others being sensitive to your needs and showing patience and understanding. Other social resources can be essential as well, for example, support groups or social groups. Simply perceiving that you can seek help from friends or other people who are not in an intense daily relationship with you, can make a big difference. Knowing that you can be with friends and take part in activities with different people may also increase your sense of well-being.

Connecting with other people who know what you are going through, can be very beneficial in coping. Support groups offer a safe place to talk about your feelings, questions and concerns and to get valuable information.

Practical acts of support are also important. This can include support from government, friends or family. Gaining information about your situation is also valuable. You may value support and encouragement from others as a source of motivation to help you manage. Positive experiences with good health care professionals such as your GP or a Psychologist or Counsellor you can trust, can be beneficial in helping you cope, feel more confident and through communication with them feel valued as a person.

Social support means having friends and other people, including family, to turn to in times of need.

Further investigation on the effects of social support on quality of life, would be a logical next step for improving the quality of life for all people, no matter what mental or physical challenges you endure in your life.

Courtesy https://parkinsons.org.nz/sites/default/files/10963_Parkinsonian_Vol19_Iss1_.pdf