Having a support network is an important aspect of being mentally healthy. Living in isolation without relationship with others significantly reduces the resources available when challenges begin to become overwhelming. Having a support system is a primary indicator of success in mental health treatment. Knowing there is someone you can trust allows us to spread the weight of responsibility, loss, and frustration. A close friend or spouse provides support and helps us to recognize we don’t have to do it alone and they can affirm that we are taking the right action or that we are on the correct path to overcoming the challenge. It is one of the main reasons having a significant other is such a natural drive for most healthy individuals. Knowing that support is always there is reaffirming and supports taking on newer and more challenging tasks. When working with couples I have them watch the YouTube video “Its not about the nail”. It’s the best couples training video I have seen. Discovering the support network of my clients is an important assessment tool with a new client. To a lesser degree, it is also one of the reasons I ask about pets during an assessment. Unfortunately, a dog is the only support the client totally trusts.
A path to wholeness