1. Don’t Go It Alone Finding Help in Hard Times

2. Social Support Help from family, friends, caregivers, community associations, and self-help groups Meets needs that are not being met by other personal resources One of several personal resources

3. Social Support Reduces our vulnerability or reaction to stress

4. Social Support People differ in their level of social support This is due to variance in: –Access to support –Social skills to build support –Willingness to use support

5. Increases Well Being Social support increases well- being in two ways –By increasing ones place in a stable, nurturing network of support –By providing needed resources in times of stress

6. When Social Support Helps Research shows that strong social support networks –Act as a daily stress reducer –Prevent disease –Guide positive decision making

7. Health Benefits of Social Support Increases immunity Reduces premature death Can help prevent the common cold

8. Identifying Sources of Social Support Beyond the obvious families and friends Church Neighborhood babysitting coops Community volunteer groups Community agencies Clubs – such as book clubs, sewing clubs, dinner clubs, etc. Networks of others

9. What Social Support Can Provide Information Feedback and guidance Influences to our belief systems and ways of thinking Helps in problem solving

10. Social Support Can Provide: cont. Material aid Place to rest and recuperate Reference group for decision making Source of identity Emotional strength

11. Ways to Increase Social Support Get involved in your community Reach out to others in your community Its important to develop social support when you are not in crisis

12. When Social Support Is Not Enough It is important to note that some crises require more help than can come from typical social support networks…

13. Identifying Your Social Support Assignment New Baby Job Loss Moving/ Relocation Marital Change Natural Disaster Personal Illness Family Change

14. Finding Help in Hard Times Remember, You Don’t Have to Go It Alone!

15. For more information please refer to the Don’t Go It Alone newsletter on your mini-CD