A support system is a group of people who provide you with mental, emotional, and practical help when you need it most. They also help keep you going strong when you’re doing well. You’ve always got the UnifiedCare Team in your corner, but who in your daily life can you count on for support? Who could you call when you need it most?
Watch our video or keep reading. And remember, your UnifiedCare team is always here for you.
Identify Your Current and Potential Support System
Chances are, you already have people you can call when you’re frustrated, or friends and family who give you honest, positive suggestions when you need them most.
If you can’t think of anyone filling those roles right now, consider those around you who you’d like to have closer relationships with, people who lift you up when you’re down or help you stay motivated and healthy. Look for those who share your values and can be trusted. You might be surprised at the great team you can build.
Building Your Support Team
Let the people you trust know that they inspire and motivate you to reach your health goals. Think about how to include them in your lifestyle regularly, and ask them to help keep you accountable for a specific health goal.
Set up regular meet-ups: a walk, a healthy lunch, tea outdoors, or even a short phone call. Sometimes, you don’t know what you need to talk about until you start talking.
Support is Not Limited to Friends and Family
Support can come from other places, too.If you have a favorite book, hobby, or a pet that makes you feel better, include them in your daily routine. Research shows that just five minutes with a good book or a chat with a close friend can help lower blood pressure.
When You Need Extra Support
Sometimes, it helps to connect with people who understand your medical condition:
For Diabetes:
For COPD:
For Kidney Disease:
For Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure:
If you’d like help finding a group, your care team or doctor can recommend options tailored to you.
And if you ever feel emotionally distressed, whether or not it’s related to your health, there are free, confidential resources:
- Call or text 988 anytime, nationwide — you don’t need to be in crisis to reach out.
- Visit Warmline.org for free peer support from someone who understands.
Benefits of Your Support System
Without a support system, it’s easy to feel alone when challenges arise. A strong circle of support can help you:
- Reduce stress
- Feel more fulfilled
- Build resilience during tough times
Keeping Your Current Relationships
1. Show Your Appreciation: Make sure those who are currently in your support system know how much you care about them.
2. Stay in Touch: It doesn’t matter if it’s on social media, through phone, email or text — don’t let those relationships fade away, especially the supportive ones.
3. Be Available: Remember that relationships are a two-way street and you are a part of their support system as well. Be there for your friend or family member as much as they are there for you.
4. Accept Help: You don’t always have to be the rock of the group. Be conscious when you need support and accept help from your support system when it is offered to you.
5. Talk Openly: Open and honest communication is the best way to grow healthy relationships. Do this in your current support system.
6. Respect Needs and Limits: Know your own boundaries, and be firm with them. Get to know your friends’ and families’ needs and limits, and try to meet needs while respecting limits.
7. Know When It isn’t Working: Unfortunately, sometimes a relationship causes more stress than support. Recognize when that is and put a respectful end to that relationship. Other times, a relationship might fade and no longer is beneficial to either one of you. It might be time to let that relationship continue on its way out.
Takeaways
No matter where life takes you, having a partner, team, or group of people who share your health goals is important. Whether you’re feeling motivated or in need of a boost, a healthy support system will lift you up and help you thrive.
And remember, your UnifiedCare team of dietitians, health coaches, and assistants is always part of your support network, ready to cheer you on.