Building Your Support System: The Key to Resilience

In today’s fast-paced world, it's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. I’ve been there myself, struggling with chronic stress in the past, feeling isolated and unsure of how to move forward. But what I’ve learned is that support structures are vital to our wellbeing.

Resilience means having different types of support—emotional, informational, and practical. Each type is vital, and by recognising where you need help, you can begin to build a support network that helps you thrive both personally and professionally.

Emotional Support

Emotional support combats isolation and promotes resilience. Whether it's family, friends, or colleagues, having someone to talk to who validates your feelings and offers encouragement can significantly reduce stress and help you feel understood.

Informational Support

This is about equipping yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Whether it’s learning stress management techniques or finding out more about what stress is and how to combat it, information is empowering and helps reduce uncertainty.

Practical Support

Sometimes, chronic stress requires tangible help. Delegating tasks, getting assistance with childcare, or having someone support you with everyday responsibilities can make space for self-care and recovery.

Identifying and Filling Gaps

How do you know where you lack support? Start by assessing your current network. Ask yourself:

• Who do I turn to for emotional support? Are they readily available, and do they truly understand your challenges?
• Where do I seek information to help me manage stress? Are you relying on accurate, helpful resources, or are you unsure where to look?
• Who helps me with practical responsibilities? Are you managing everything on your own, or do you delegate when needed?

Once you’ve identified where the gaps are, filling them might mean reaching out to people who have offered help in the past but you haven’t taken up on it, or it could involve seeking new avenues.

For emotional support, consider talking to a trusted friend, mentor, or even joining a peer group. If it’s informational support, look for reputable sources, such as coaching, workshops, or training programmes that focus on stress management.

For practical support, don’t hesitate to delegate more at work or home, or even hire help if that’s an option.

Filling gaps is about knowing when to ask for help. None of us can do it all alone, and building resilience means recognising where you need that extra hand. Support systems are your foundation for thriving, not just surviving.

If you’re struggling with stress management and want to create a better support network, send me a DM and let’s discuss how to make this happen.

I work with ambitious civil servants to help them find a better work-life balance so they can excel in their careers without sacrificing personal wellbeing.