Support System – Mental Health Toolbox Part 6 – The Socket Set

The importance of support system for mental health – here is the Toolbox Part 6: The Socket Set. 

“Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher”, Oprah Winfrey.  

The Support System

As we go through life we enter in and out of many phases that require different levels of support system. At times we are very lonely requiring a support system for mental health or support groups and other times we could feel almost overwhelmed by too many trying to “help.” When I think of a toolbox, this reminds me of the Socket Set.

A socket set is a set of different-sized tools that can fit into one handle and are used to tighten or loosen things. A “support system” is just that. A set of people in your life that are used in many different areas to either get you through certain times, aid you in improving yourself, or assist with whatever things come your way. 

My grandma Mary is the socket set in our family. She is resilient and versatile. She is able to support us all through good times and bad. My grandma holds many hats in our family and always knows that a good meal can solve any problem.

Important considerations while building a Healthy Support System

I found an interesting article on “University of the People, The Education Revolution,” that laid out 5 of the most important traits to consider when building a HEALTHY support system.

1. Support System – Accountability

This is one of the most important pieces of a support system. You want to surround yourself with people that are going to hold you accountable. They are going to cheer you on and encourage you to stick to your goals. They are going to take good care of yourself, and redirect you when you are not feeling your best, suggesting better options are choices based on them knowing what you want and how you think. If you don’t have people willing to push you and hold you accountable, they are not supporting you in the ways that will promote growth and recovery.

2. Support System – Fellowship

Build a team that you are able to reach out to when you need a pick me up, a new adventure, or simply a companion on a day to go for coffee or out to a movie. The fellowship includes being there for you in times of need, sadness, happiness, or loneliness. They have your back, you can trust them and confide in them. This could include many different friends because some can wear different hats that relate to you in certain ways.

3. Support System – Education

A support system in mental health should include people that are willing to help you learn, and challenge you with new ideas, activities, or ways to motivate yourself. They will encourage you to learn more about shared interests or educate yourself through different learning models and tools. A supportive system should include individuals who are excited for you to learn and take that journey with you to show they are interested as well.

4. Support System – Purpose

Your support team should understand your purpose. They should promote your hopes and dreams. If they don’t understand they should be the type of people that are willing to learn what you want so that they can support you the best they can. On the other hand, if you are not sure what your purpose is yet, your support system should also be willing and able to help you figure it out. They should be excited about the challenge of helping you establish what your path in life is and how you are going to reach your goal.

5. Support System – Self-care

This area is primarily set up for you, making sure that you are completing important self-care responsibilities daily. When you make yourself a priority by making sure your needs are met, you will begin to notice the importance of having healthy supportive people around you.

When we don’t take good care of ourselves, our self-esteem, motivation, confidence, and awareness are blurred, and we are unable to notice toxic negative people around us. Make it a point each day to do a daily check-in with yourself, making sure that you have done what is needed to make your self-care a priority.

Just like the socket set, we need to line ourselves with a variety of support or support systems. But most importantly, make sure that when you are allowing people into your network, set boundaries, and stay mindful of their willingness to have your back and cheer you on. Also, ensure that these individuals are positive, they lift you up and promote growth.

Remember, anyone that is ever jealous, envious, or angry about progress and good things in your life, is not meant to be in your support system. We need to remove these people and maintain strong boundaries. Even if they are in your family or close group of friends, we need to keep them at arm’s length. They are not there to support you; their negativity will cloud your judgement and skew your thinking.

Evaluate your support system for your mental health, make the necessary changes and be patient if you are still looking for the right people to bring into your life. They are out there, keep your eyes open and an open mind.

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