These times haven been especially hard, to the point that it’s taking a toll on our mental health. The pandemic has given us so much to worry about, and it’s hard to function when many of us feel anxious. Personally, I haven’t been handling all this emotional strain too well—it’s been arduous trying to feel okay. Doubt and skepticism are primarily moods at this point (hello insomnia). And it’s not just me, I’ve seen that a lot of my friends are also feeling the same.
I learned one thing though: I don’t have to sort out my thoughts and feelings on my own. I’ve got my loved ones who may be feeling the same way, and they’re there to listen to me. They’ve also expressed their appreciation to me whenever I’d listen to them.
Things are a lot easier when you know someone has your back, whether it be a single person or a group. It may not always be the solution, but in my case, it’s helped me sleep a lot better at night. The moral support I received has been helping me go through my daily life with a lighter heart. Here’s why a sense of belonging and moral support might help us through these tough times:
It increases your self esteem
According to the American Psychologists Association, having a support network helps in stress management. It doesn’t matter how close you are to those people, since we often turn to different groups for different concerns (love, work, etc.). This is because these groups usually know what to tell you for the specific concern you go to them for.
It’s actually great for your physical health
Aside from benefiting your mental health, moral support can be beneficial to your physical health as well. The American Institute of Stress says that there are actually studies that show how moral support lowers your blood pressure. Since you have someone to vent to, you’re releasing all that tension you’re feeling. The less time you’re bothered by it, the more you’re able to relax and keep your blood pressure normal.
It’s also one of the reasons why people in a happy marriage tend to live longer. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, a happy marriage consists of constant communication, affirmation and trust.
The American Institute of Stress also shared studies showing how a lack of moral support can “increase death rates following a heart attack,” especially among middle aged men who suffer from serious emotional stress. The first stroke is usually caused by a high blood pressure.
It allows for better decision-making
I’ve always believed that arguments partly stem from the lack of control when it comes to the words we use. For example, some arguments online are riddled with personal attacks, and it’s because most people’s judgement is already clouded with anger. A support system helps you make sound decisions on what to say next by giving you an outsider’s perspective of the situation so that your choice isn’t biased.
If you’re looking for a support network, Globe has launched the Facebook group Hope Bank. It aims to empower and boost morale during the COVID-19 crisis. In this space, community members send messages that encourage, empower and inspire. Aside from these, you can also extend your support to those going through the same situation as yourself by sharing your art (or your own profile, including the hashtag #SpreadHOPE in the caption).
However, this by no means can replace professional help. If you feel like you need professional help, please reach out to mental health professionals. You can also check Globe’s partnership with UP PsychServ for this.
We’re all doing our best to keep our inner peace in these very stressful times, and I hope we find it in ourselves to extend a helping hand to someone who is in a tougher situation. Sometimes all they need is someone to talk to. You never know, a virtual pat on the back might just make someone’s day better.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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