The importance of support
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 24th August 2020
For most people, the year so far has been one of challenge after challenge, with life once again proving that a curveball can come your way when you least expect it. The events of the last few months have emphasised just how important it is that there are people you can turn to for support. Whether you are in need of immediate assistance in the face of a crisis, or simply seeking comfort from those who care about you, having supportive relationships plays a critical role in your day-to-day life. Moreover, maintaining such connections is vital for them to be of genuine benefit.
Effects on physical and mental health
Social support can build people up during times of hardship, giving them the strength and resolve to carry on and thrive. Its many benefits with regard to physical and mental health demonstrate the need for us to have a strong social support network, especially as a lack of one can lead to isolation and loneliness. This is associated with a greater risk of problems such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, diminished immunity, poor cardiovascular function, and cognitive decline.[i], [ii]
Besides alleviating the effects of emotional stress, social support can enhance self-esteem and encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours.[iii] Research has shown that those with close personal relationships can cope better with various stressors, including bereavement, job loss, and illness.[iv] Furthermore, people who are supported by friends, family and their peers are less vulnerable to ill health and premature death.[v], [vi] One study of middle-aged men over a seven-year period found that those with strong social support networks were less likely to die than those without.[vii]
Types of support
There’s no doubt that the most supportive social networks can create a sense of belonging, security and community. Moreover, these groups of people can provide different types of support. For instance, you might seek emotional support from a loved one if you are feeling stressed or anxious. In other cases, close friends and family may provide instrumental support, which is important when you have immediate needs that must be addressed. You can also take advantage of informational support in the form of advice and suggestions in order to make big decisions or changes. In addition, appraisal support from a trusted mentor can be useful for self-evaluation.
When obstacles inevitably arise, it is comforting to know that there are people you can lean on to help keep your goals in perspective. Supportive friends, family, and other members of your community will celebrate your successes and help you move forward from your failures, providing the encouragement that you need to overcome any setbacks with determination and a positive attitude. However, support is a two-way street. Once you identify the people in your life who have your back, it is important that you focus on strengthening those relationships by connecting with them regularly and paying back their support.
Strengthen professional connections
A reliable support system is also essential within the professional community. Of course, you can confide in your close friends or family members if you are feeling overwhelmed about work or uncertain about the next step in your career. However, the level of support they offer may only go so far, especially if they are not working within the same profession. Forming meaningful relationships with your peers can ultimately go a long way to helping you stay engaged in your work and motivated to excel. Your colleagues, in particular, can be a valuable day-to-day resource, acting as a sounding board for ideas and inspiration.
Beyond your own workplace, you might find support in the form of a professional group or organisation that offers the chance for you to join networking events, where you can engage with likeminded individuals who understand the unique challenges of your field. It can also be useful to have a mentor you can turn to for guidance, insight and strategies for success. Furthermore, having the support of a trusted referral partner like Ten Dental+Facial can be invaluable, particularly if you are dealing with a complex or challenging case. By cultivating professional connections with others in your field, you could even forge long-lasting friendships that may be beneficial in your personal life too.
We all need somebody to lean on. Now, more than ever, support is vital in order to maintain a healthy and positive lifestyle. In fact, a strong support network is more than just a source of comfort – it can also help you go farther than you ever thought possible on your own. As we dental professionals look ahead to the future, continued support for each other will be key in order to ensure we deliver the best possible care to patients, no matter what curveballs are thrown our way.
For more information visit www.tendental.com or call on 020 33932623
Author:
DR NIKHIL SISODIA, BDS (U Brist) (GDC: 70616), Implant Surgeon
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[ii] Hawkley, L. C. and Capitanio, J. P. (2015) Perceived social isolation, evolutionary fitness and health outcomes: a lifespan approach. Phil Trans R Soc B. 370: 20140114. DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0114. Link: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2014.0114. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].
[iii] Mayo Clinic. (2018) Social support: Tap this tool to beat stress. Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/social-support/art-20044445. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].
[iv] Towey, S. (2016) Social Support. University of Minnesota. Link: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/social-support. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].
[v] Ozbay, F., Johnson, D. C., Dimoulas, E., Morgan, C. A., Charney, D. and Southwick, S. (2007) Social Support and Resilience to Stress: From Neurobiology to Clinical Practice. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 4(5): 35–40. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921311/. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].
[vi] Reblin, M. and Uchino, B. N. (2008) Social and Emotional support and its Implication for Health. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 21(2): 201–205. DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0b013e3282f3ad89. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2729718/. [Last accessed: 23.06.20].
[vii] Grav, S., Hellzèn, O., Romild, U. and Stordal, E. (2011) Association between social support and depression in the general population: the HUNT study, a cross-sectional survey. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 21(1-2): 111–120. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03868.x.
