Creating And Enhancing Your Personal Support
source: Michael C. Irving, PhD
It is important to think about what help or support you need and make a list of those whom you trust to turn to. Dividing your requests for support between different people can ensure that you receive a helpful diversity of care. It will also prevent burning out one ally whom you have to lean on too much or too often.
Seeking Assistance Of Your Support People
- List names with phone numbers. Clarify ahead of time what they can handle and what they cannot help with. Write down OK times to call them.
- Look through your address book.
- Use a buddy system.
- Form a support group.
- Support check-ins: Get a friend to phone or write you to tell you that you are safe and a good person.
- Designate a regular time to have check-ins with some people.
- Call your therapist.
- Call a crisis or help line.
- Call a trusted friend.
- Allow your pets to give you nurturing and support.
- Know that friends cannot always be there — have back up people.
- Write to a friend.
- Send e-mail.
- Call someone.
- Use the resources in your church or spiritual setting.
- Stay with a friend at your home or theirs.
- Take a class or workshop.
- Join a therapy group.
- Volunteer somewhere.
- Look after a child now and then.
- Have a slumber party.
- Seek encouragement from friends.
- Have a party.
- Use Internet support groups.
- Reconnect with someone special.
- Go for a walk, movie or shopping with a friend.
- Enjoy a pleasant activity with a friend.
- Listen to your favorite or upbeat music with a friend.
- Go dancing.
