Chapter Thirteen: Creating a Support System

Having a mental support system is vital for maintaining mental well-being and fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges. Social networks, professional resources, and individual techniques can all be used to create a strong mental health support network.

Start by listing your most helpful coping mechanisms that gets you through hard times. Is it by journaling? Alone time? Painting a beautiful scenery? Quality time with family? Exercising? The list goes on, but here are some practices in my support system:

Write and Read

Everyone can recall being a kid who wrote everything down in a little journal then magically loses the book. (I was one of them. Lol.) Growing up, I am not someone who likes to discuss personal matters to others so I turned to journaling. At the time, I wasn't fully aware of its advantages until I got older. Fast forward to today, journaling is one of my favorite coping mechanism because there are no rights or wrongs, no judgement or expectations. I get to be real with myself. Putting down my thoughts either on paper or typing then reading them aloud to myself aids in my emotional processing. This is a form of self-therapy since I mentioned that I like to keep private matters to myself.

Create a Safe Haven Space

Whether your safe haven space is in someone's arms or somewhere in your house, make it yours. I actually have a corner in my house, where I call it "The Mommy Time" chair. This spot is where I process my thoughts with a clear mind and reset. When I'm in my safe haven, I occasionally meditate because it gives me comfort, security, and peace.

Having a Strong Circle

As I mentioned in the last chapter, you don't need a big circle of people to feel accepted. Hard times become less stressful when you surround yourself with supportive friends and family who are always willing to listen and offer mutual support. Sharing my inner thoughts with the people I trust takes a load off my chest because I trust and respect their opinions. Sometimes, it may just be listening to me without judgement.

Discover Something New

Exploring new experiences offers new priorities in life. This can be dining at a new restaurant or traveling to gain new exposure to life and scenery — some of my favorites. Expanding my knowledge is also a way I discover new things and ideas. I don't enjoy reading, but I love to research my curiosity.

Last, but not least...

I would like to shine light on seeking professional help when needed. Professionals with training in therapy, counseling, psychology, and psychiatry can offer effective coping mechanisms that a typical person can not. They can assist you to have a clearer and deeper understanding of your emotions.

Your support system is not a one-time fix that will enable you to overcome all of life's challenges. Your ambitions and aspirations will alter as you move through life. Move on or look for methods to make things better if it no longer works for you.

Is there a coping mechanism you practice and is not commonly talked about? Share it with me down below!

Thank you for reading this chapter. I hope you enjoyed the read and you or someone you know can relate. Please leave any respectful feedback. Have a blessed day!

Xoxo,