Mental health problems are becoming more and more recognized and discussed openly. One of the most common mental illnesses is depression, particularly since the onset of the COVID pandemic. Depression affects everyone slightly differently. Conditions can vary from mild to severe to debilitating and treatment options are unique to the person seeking help. 

Research shows that one of the most pivotal tools in depression recovery is a solid support system. A healthy support system has a variety of positive benefits, such as better coping skills and a better sense of well-being. When recovering from depression, a support system can be there for you when you’re in need. 

5 Ways a Solid Support System Helps Your Recovery

Recovering from depression is challenging. The help of a positive social circle proves very helpful for healing. Here are five ways a solid support system supports your depression treatment:

1. Healthy Distraction

Feeling low during a depressive episode is something you cope with often when you have depression. A support system can give you healthy distractions when you need them. Positive distractions can help keep you from falling into a depression rabbit hole. It can save you from rumination and isolation. 

It’s important to remember that using healthy distractions is more productive than unhealthy distractions. Unhealthy distractions might include drug and alcohol use or other self-harming behaviors. Create a support system full of people who can affect your recovery positively. 

2. Emotional Accountability

Surround yourself with people who want to know how you’re doing, what you did today, how you slept. This can combat the isolation that depression can cause. You might not notice when you’re reaching out less or pulling away, but your support system will notice.

It’s common to isolate yourself without realizing it. A support system that asks after you keeps you accountable for how you’re feeling. It might be tricky to be transparent when you’re feeling depressed. Do your best to answer questions like, “Are you okay?” honestly. It’s alright to admit that you just aren’t feeling it. 

3. Improved Motivation

Depressive episodes often come along with a severe lack of motivation. Sometimes it’s hard just to get out of bed in the morning. You can ask your support system if they can help keep you accountable here as well. Is there someone you know who walks every day? See if you can text one another after your daily walks or gentle movement exercises. 

This kind of accountability also helps you bond with your network. The more you improve your relationships with the people who support you, the more comfortable you’ll grow with reaching out to them. This can begin a cycle where you can steadily rebuild your motivation. 

4. Sense of Belonging

As humans, we have an inborn need for love and acceptance. A sense of belonging is essential for our health and wellness. Depression can cause you to have feelings of worthlessness. A strong support system can help you feel more validated about your worth. Of course, your self-worth lives with you, but if you have a group of people who show you compassion and empathy, you’re more likely to see it during a depressive episode.  

5. Normalized Mental Illness

There’s been a stigma around mental illness for many years, but that stigma is fading. A healthy support system can help you by normalizing mental illness. This is particularly helpful when you’re pursuing medication as a treatment option. You may not want to discuss your treatment, but surrounding yourself with people who understand the legitimacy of mental illness can make your recovery easier. 

If you think have depression or you just need someone to talk to, reach out for professional depression treatment. We’re trained to help you overcome the symptoms of your depression. Together, we can explore coping mechanisms that work for you and your lifestyle.