Social support and connectedness:

Individuals can benefit from mental health therapy in developing and maintaining healthy relationships, addressing underlying issues and patterns, and identifying and utilizing community resources and support networks.

Part 5 in our 10-part blog series

Understanding Social Support and Connectedness

Social support refers to the resources and supports individuals receive from their social network. This can include emotional support, tangible assistance, such as help with transportation or financial aid, and informational support, such as advice or guidance. Connectedness refers to the feeling of belonging and connectedness individuals have with others. Both social support and connectedness are essential for maintaining good mental health.

Research has shown that individuals with stronger social support and connectedness tend to have better mental health outcomes. The stronger our social support system is, with healthy connections the more equipped individuals will be in navigating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.  Those with a stronger support network and healthy connections are also more resilient and better able to cope with stress and adversity.

How Mental Health Therapy Can Help

Mental health therapy can help individuals to develop and maintain healthy relationships by addressing underlying issues and patterns that may be preventing them from forming and maintaining these connections. Therapists can help individuals to discover their attachment pattern which serves as a blueprint for how they will tend to navigate relationally, identify negative thought patterns, behaviours, and beliefs that may be interfering with their relationships, and work with them to develop new, healthier ways of interacting within a relationship that is more secure in nature.

Therapists can also help individuals to develop communication and conflict-resolution skills that can improve their relationships. They can teach individuals how to express their needs and emotions in a healthy way, how to listen actively, and how to negotiate and compromise effectively. Additionally, therapists can help individuals to recognize the importance of boundaries in relationships and to set appropriate boundaries that can help them to maintain healthy connections.

Another way mental health therapy can help is by assisting individuals in identifying and utilizing community resources and support networks. Therapists can help individuals to connect with support groups, social clubs, and other resources that can provide them with additional social support and connectedness. This can be particularly important for individuals who may not have a strong support system already in place.

Conclusion

Social support and connectedness are essential for maintaining good mental health. Mental health therapy can play a crucial role in helping individuals to develop and maintain healthy relationships, identify, and address underlying issues and patterns, and utilize community resources and support networks. By improving social support and connectedness, mental health therapy can help individuals to cope with stress, trauma, and other challenges they may face in their lives, and improve their overall mental health outcomes.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Chatrath Counseling Centre, our skilled therapists provide a safe and private environment where individuals can work through their difficulties and develop the skills to overcome them. Contact us today to start your journey towards a more fulfilling life.