Much like riding a rollercoaster, life is full of ups and downs, and it’s much better to have someone beside you for the ride. When things take an unexpected turn, having someone close can be comforting. But what happens when you don’t have anyone during those twists and turns? It can feel scary and isolating. In difficult times, who is there for you through the highs and lows?
Learning to Lean on Others
What do you do when you don’t have the support you need? We all need at least two people we can count on during tough times. The first is ourselves, and the second is someone we trust. For many, the only person they can truly rely on is themselves. While self-regulation is essential for building emotional resilience, asking for help is just as important for creating a strong support system. So, besides yourself, who can you turn to for support?
Identifying Positive Relationships
Who in your family do you have a positive relationship with? Positive doesn’t necessarily mean close; it could be someone you get along with or who has been a consistent presence in your life. Now, when was the last time you reached out to them for support? Often, people are willing to support us if we give them the opportunity. And even if they don’t, at least we had the courage to ask.
Turning to Our Chosen Family
The next group to consider is our chosen family: our friends. Many people take pride in being the “strong” friend, but we don’t have to always wear that badge. After all, we’re not superhuman; we’re human. One of the greatest benefits of friendship is the support we receive. You deserve to have a lighter load, and it starts with asking for what you need.
Taking the First Step: Asking for Help
Although I’ve only highlighted two sources of support, there are many more available. If you’re not receiving the help you need from friends or family, consider reaching out to neighbors, mentors, therapists, or support groups in your community. Take some time to list the supportive people in your life. If you’re having trouble identifying even a couple of people you can rely on, consider what small steps you might take to start building that support network. Sometimes, the first step is asking for help.