A support system is a network of people who provide emotional, social, and practical support to an individual.

Financial support is not a type of social support. Emotional, instrumental, and informational support are all types of social support.

Social support contributes to mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing coping skills, and promoting resilience.

Emotional support involves providing a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, and showing empathy.

Social support seeking is the process of seeking and receiving help from others.

Cultural norms, personal beliefs and values, and past experiences can all influence an individual's ability to seek social support.

Social support can help individuals cope with stressful life events by providing a sense of belonging and connectedness, helping them to reframe their problems, and offering practical assistance and resources.

Instrumental support involves providing practical assistance and resources, such as financial assistance, transportation, and help with household chores.

Social support can help individuals maintain their mental health by promoting positive coping mechanisms, enhancing self-esteem and confidence, and reducing the risk of developing mental health problems.

Informational support involves providing information, advice, and suggestions, as well as sharing personal experiences.

Social support can help individuals recover from mental health problems by providing a sense of hope and optimism, facilitating access to treatment and resources, and promoting social reintegration.

Social support can help individuals with mental health problems reduce their risk of relapse, improve their quality of life, and enhance their coping skills. It does not lead to increased social isolation.

Social support can help prevent mental health problems by promoting resilience and coping skills, reducing stress and anxiety, and enhancing self-esteem and confidence.

Alcoholics Anonymous, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and National Alliance on Mental Illness are all examples of social support groups.

Social support can help individuals manage chronic mental health conditions by providing emotional and practical support, facilitating access to treatment and resources, and promoting adherence to treatment plans.