How to Identify a Support System

Finding a support system entails identifying people who can give you the social, emotional, and practical help you need in your life. Humans are naturally inclined to help one another. According to my experience, it is actually very difficult to find folks that genuinely want to assist. That is the reason I said that you always have that one friend who will watch out for you no matter what. Finding only one person to lean on is enough to serve as your support system; it is not necessary to surround yourself with a lot of individuals.

Also note that everybody has their own lives and troubles to deal with, you may not always get the support you need, that does not mean the people around you do not care, everyone is battling something one way or the other. When an individual goes out of their way to aid you in something, appreciate it and gracefully accept it, and do not make it an entitlement.

Know what you want

Knowing what you want from the people in your support system is the first step in building one. If you're seeking for professional assistance, check out professional associations, use LinkedIn to network, or get to know your coworkers.
If you need emotional support, attempt to connect with people who are experiencing the same things you are by joining online groups, attending in-person events, or starting your own interest groups.

Assess your current relationships:

Consider the relationships you already have with your family, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances. Think about how open, supportive, and trusting these relationships are. Take into account your ability to communicate with them and your level of exposure to them. Look for people who have a history of demonstrating empathy, listening without passing judgment, and offering aid when required.

Find active listeners:

Active listeners are those who actually listen, participate in your thoughts and feelings, and offer understanding and affirmation. They foster an environment where you can express yourself without worrying about criticism, and they speak to you in a way that won't make you feel less than. These people exhibit empathy, provide well-considered responses, and genuinely seem interested.

Seek out those who uplift you:

Avoid those whose remarks would bring you down. When you think about the people in your life that inspire, encourage, and uplift you on a regular basis, you look for people like that. These are the people who have a talent for complimenting your qualities and accomplishments in positive ways. Although we can encourage ourselves, it is different when someone else says something encouraging to us. You are inspired to pursue your goals and keep a positive outlook by their upbeat attitude and helpful demeanor.

Consider tangible assistance:

A solid support system consists of people who are ready to offer practical assistance in addition to emotional support. These are the people who, in addition to lending a sympathetic ear, will also put on their work gloves to assist you when necessary.
Look for people in your support network who have a history of dependability and who have demonstrated a desire to lend a hand in concrete ways. They could provide the expertise or abilities to aid you in overcoming a particular obstacle or with daily obligations. Their useful aid can significantly impact your life, whether it is through moving assistance, expert advice, or assistance with a project.

Confidentiality and trust:

An essential component of a support system is trust. It's vital that you pick people with whom you feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics and giving personal information. These are the folks who respect your privacy, uphold confidentiality, and foster an environment that is free from bias. I emphasize the importance of creating a safe, judgment-free environment for you. Identify people or someone with whom you feel your secret is safe.

Similar experiences:

Shared experiences can strengthen relationships among members of a support network. When choosing people to be a part of your support system, search for those who have experienced similar difficulties or situations. Based on their personal experiences, they can provide insightful commentary and foster empathy and understanding.

Volunteer in supportive communities:

Support networks can encompass supportive communities or groups in addition to individual interactions. Consider connecting with organizations, support groups, or online communities that are dedicated to your interests or any particular issues you may be facing in addition to your personal relations. Join social clubs so that you make friends there.

This is how to identify people who will hold you down in times of need. In my next post, I shall suggest ways that you can also be a pillar  for someone in need. We cannot always be at the receiving end of everything. Showing acts of kindness to people will not only make you dependable and trustworthy, but will enable build a network of supportive individuals around you.