The Importance of Support Networks

Many of us have experienced the colleague, friend or family member who seeks us out to talk with us about a problem. Such actions are the cornerstone of programs such as peer support. On the surface, just talking about a problem can have a range of benefits.

These include:

• Clarifying problems - All too often we can get caught up in an issue to the degree we may not be able to think objectively about the situation. Talking with some can help us to focus on the key concern and even generate ideas as to how the problem might be tackled.
• Sharing ideas - When speaking with someone, they may say something which puts our problem  into a new and more manageable perspective. The sharing of ideas can be a great problem-solving strategy.
• Encouragement - The support of someone else can be a boost to our self- esteem and the encouragement we need to deal with issues putting us under pressure.
• Letting off some steam - The opportunity to defuse any emotion associated with a problem is important to dealing with that problem. A good support person understands the need for someone to talk through the emotional aspects of their concerns.

Recent research by Professor Mark Roy of Penn State University in the USA has included an additional benefit to having the support of friends and family. A report in "Psychology Today" (May/June 1999) outlined a study which indicates the more support people we can link into, the lower our risk of disease and illness.

To deflate the myth that strong, silent men cope well, Professor Roy conducted an experiment with a group of firefighters. His results showed that when confronted with stressful life events, their blood pressure soared. However, those with strong support networks had a much faster recovery from the rise in blood pressure than those who had little in the way of a support network. While it's not necessarily harmful to have a rise in blood pressure, the rate of recovery back to normal is considered a key point for health. It seems that taking the opportunity to use our support networks might just be a healthy idea.