The Importance of Social Support for Wellbeing

In Australia, you are more likely to die by suicide than in war. It seems we are now our own worst enemy.

This startling fact is a strong reminder that mental health care and maintenance is essential to wellbeing and longevity. ‘But what does this have to do with social support?’ I hear you ask. The answer is simple.

Loneliness is dangerous.

Mental health professionals and researchers have often pointed to the importance of having a strong social network of friends and family as being a key factor in managing stress. Poor social support is often linked to depression, substance abuse, and cardiovascular disease.

A remarkable 2010 study involving over 300,000 participants found that social support and social structure increased longevity by some 50%. Researchers at Brigham Young University found that this is the equivalent of giving up a 15 cigarette per day smoking habit.

With a strong and reliable social structure people are more resilient to stress. A strong community can provide access to advice about difficult or complicated issues, emotional support when you need a friend, improved motivation, and something to look forward to when times are tough. Perhaps the most important factor is the peace of mind from knowing that whatever comes your way, you won’t be facing it alone.

Social support can come in many forms. Family, friends, social clubs, religious organisations, sporting teams, and almost anything else that involves meaningful interaction with people. As long as the relationships are not toxic in nature, these social supports will have a direct effect on a person’s mental and physical health over the course of their life.

Growing a social support network can be difficult, especially if a person is already affected by loneliness and other mental and physical health challenges. Not everyone has family in their life, and for some, family can be a toxic relationship which can frustrate efforts to improve your health. Being proactive in finding social support can be hard and it’s okay to seek help from peer support groups, mental health professionals, or a psychologist. If you are an NDIS participant you can speak to your Support Coordinator about using your NDIS plan to access social, community and recreational activities with a registered NDIS provider.

One the most exciting findings by psychologists is that the wellbeing benefits of receiving social support are the same as for the person who gives it. By looking after the people in your life and encouraging others, you are also looking after yourself.

 “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey inside” – Winnie the Pooh