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Wellness tips: What is a social support system?

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  • By Employee Assistance Program
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Do the tasks in your life leave little time for your family and friends? Are the requirements at work increasing everyday? Do you have time to talk with your co-workers, friends and family?

The digital age has brought convenience, but our lives seem more complicated. Having a social support system can ease the stress and strain of everyday life.

What is a social support system?

A social support system is your personal network of family, friends, co-workers and peers. They are the people you turn to in good times and bad. You share activities and common interests and enjoy their company while having a good time.

Everyone needs someone to talk to, whether you're having a bad day or just received the opportunity of a lifetime. Studies show that people who share their lives with others will live longer, have fewer illnesses, and enhance the overall quality of their life. Being connected to a social support system can act as a buffer between you and the difficult situations in your life.

Do you have a social support system?

Think about the answers to the following questions:

· What do you do when you are not working?

· If you are going to do something with someone else, who would that be?

· What do you do for fun and relaxation?

If you find it difficult to answer these questions, you may need to work on developing a social support system. This could be a sign that most of your time and energy is focused on something other than spending time with other people. Know that you are not alone. Many people find it difficult to make time for daily interaction with others. The lack of a social support system can lead to decreased productivity, loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression. People need healthy relationships in their lives to maintain their emotional well-being.

Resources are available: Call the Employee Assistance Program for more information, help and support. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide confidential assistance at no cost to you at 1-800-222-0364. Counselors on base are Brenda Ferguson at 734-6687 and Bob Magar at 734-6691. More information, self-help tools and other resources are available online at www.foh4you.com.