What is social support?
Social support is a frequently overlooked element in the decision-making process and in life overall. It encompasses more than just your family and friends but includes anyone who provides emotional, instrumental, or practical support to you. Identifying who in your life is consistent or capable of providing the support you need is essential to your well-being, especially when you are making important decisions.
What does good social support look like?
Good social support is consistent, reliable, and honoring to you. People who provide good social support will likely validate your concerns and thoughts; they are quick to listen and offer advice only when asked. Providing emotional support by showing up at important events, listening when you’ve had a bad day, and asking questions that imply interest in your life are all characteristics of good support. The people who provide this kind of support seek to see things from your perspective and understand in order to help you best.
What does poor social support look like?
Poor social support often presents as inconsistent, sometimes combative, and may leave you feeling disappointed after an encounter. This could look like questioning your ability, continuously highlighting the negative of a situation, or feeding conflict rather than helping to restore peace. You should be aware of when someone expects or requires more from you than you can reasonably provide.
Why does social support matter during an unexpected pregnancy?
Unexpected pregnancy introduces an additional set of needs to women. These needs are physical, emotional, and social in nature. Good social support when facing an unexpected pregnancy and throughout navigating your next steps will help ensure that your needs are met. Research shows that social support is vital to helping you remain stable amidst rattling circumstances. It also influences how stressful you perceive an event to be, and how capable you feel to handle it. With the right support, women can thrive rather than just survive their unexpected life circumstances.
Where can you get the support you need?
My Life Clinic aims to provide not only professional and compassionate medical care, but we also seek to cultivate the social support women need to thrive during and after pregnancy. The clinic exists not only to care for mothers but for all women and all that they bring with them.
Our clinic hosts a weekly support group where clients connect with other women, building a safe community and encouraging each other. In addition to this support group, clients can schedule a support meeting with our Client Specialist – a safe space to identify your needs and how we can support you. Call or make an appointment today to find out more about the resources we provide. We’re committed to helping you find the support you need.
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