Emotional support. What does it mean? Do people really need it? How can it help someone going through a difficult life situation?
When someone goes through a tough transition in their life, they can often feel as though they need to put on a brave face and show those around them that they’re strong and have everything under control. But, what if that isn’t the truth? What if, what they really need is to talk to someone and offload the emotional baggage they feel and, in return, to know that someone is there supporting them? This is called emotional support, and it can make a huge difference in how someone copes with a challenging time.
During your life, you will face many difficulties. Whether it’s a divorce, medical diagnosis, aging parents or another challenge, there will always be a wave of emotions that come with these situations. It’s natural to feel as though you don’t want to burden others with these feelings and stressors and that you should handle it alone. However, what happens is that in addition to all your other emotions, you’ll end up with increased feelings of loneliness and stress. Both of these emotions have been linked to various health problems, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. By reaching out to others and creating an emotional support system for yourself, you lessen your chances of experiencing these feelings and in turn, boosting your immune system.
Emotional support can be received in many different ways. By simply sharing how you’re feeling with a trusted family member or friend, you will be able to offload the emotional burden you’re experiencing and receive comfort from someone. Knowing that you’re being heard, that someone genuinely cares about what you’re going through and is there supporting you is a powerful tool in getting through difficult situations.
Some may not feel as though they can share their feelings with someone close to them. For these individuals, professional help is available. Finding a therapist who can listen without bias and offer words of encouragement to help you get through your difficulties can make a world of difference.
Our founder, Kim Falahati, is a Certified Life Coach with a background in Psychology and is available to offer you the emotional support you may need to help you through.
Perhaps you’re one of the many that feel as though they would like to share what they’re going through with people who have been through it or are going through it as well. That’s where support groups come in. Being able to share how you’re feeling and receiving not only validation but also commiseration is a great way to combat loneliness. To know that others have experienced what you’re experiencing and can relate to your feelings will create a fantastic support system and allow you to realize that you’re not alone.
Whichever way you choose to seek out and receive emotional support, know that during a situation that may be out of your control, it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.
At Family Matters, we don’t ever want someone to experience the feeling of loneliness as they move through life – please feel free to reach out to us at any time and let us take some of your emotional burdens off of you. Together, we’ll help you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
