The Key Points to Emotional Support

It is important to define what Emotional Support is before we can begin. That way we then can use it successfully. I will list examples of various supports on how you can become a better emotional supporter.

“The APA Dictionary of Psychology states that Emotional Support is the verbal and nonverbal process by which one communicates care and concern for another, offering reassurance, empathy, comfort, and acceptance.”  APA Dictionary of Psychology

  Emotional Support at times is also known as an expression of caring, empathy, and love.

I am sure everyone has used a form of empathy, love, or the state of caring toward someone.

Do you need Emotional Support in your life? Have you experienced it and understand how it may be important to your everyday needs?

If you said no, to one of those questions, then try and relate it to someone that you care about as a friend, spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, coworker, or family in general.

At some point, you showed support, and it helped them bounce back after a crisis, failed moments, or just stating you are there not to help but “just for emotional support”.

Do you have someone you lean on for Emotional Support? Someone, whom you reach to the phone for when all crap hits the fan.

I know I do, and I am proud to say that I have a whole corner of people in my life. Those are the ones when I am needing someone, they are willing to listen or help.

That is an amazing feeling and a blessing in itself. I do not take that lightly.

Having an Emotional Support system helps us feel important and valued in this world. It is perilous for us to omit any Emotional Support for any type of relationship.

Emotional Support creates those healthy relationships we desperately need.  

Here are a few benefits that Emotional Support offers

o   Lowering Stress levels

o   Lowering many risks for cardiovascular diseases

o   Lower anxiety

o   Higher Immune System functions

Another fun fact, did you know that “people were 50% more likely to be alive if they had strong social relationships?”

“A study found that in terms of long life, strong social ties can be as important as losing weight if you are obese and getting active if you are sedentary.” Social Ties Can Add Years to Your Life (webmd.com)

Now, of course, diseases, accidents, etc. can factor into some of the statistics. We do not know all cases or relations to the matters of a specific person’s life. Most of the percentages are based on a group study.

Let’s say someone does not have many friends or they live somewhere they do not have family nearby. Animals are great for Emotional Support.

Many individuals that struggle with anxiety, and stress in their lives can adopt a dog or another form of an animal that they can lean on for support when life presses on them.

Have you noticed how dogs are happy when you get up out of your chair or walk through the door? No matter if you just got on to them.

Those fur babies are happy you are their person. That support can be enough to give you multiple benefits.

I know that some studies state you should not hug your dogs because they do not understand. I guess my dog is different because he needs hugs from me too.

One of my babies is a loving dog and he wants all your hugs and loves that you are willing to give. He was abused and abandoned before he found a home with me.

When I have had a terrible day, I have taken time to experience his support. He would sit there and receive my hug as long as I am willing to give it; he eats it up.

Do you have a dog that you believe is your emotional supporter?

There are people that have gotten their dogs certified to be their emotional support. Meaning they can take them everywhere with them.

If they were to have a panic attack or feel isolated at various times, their certified emotional support dog is there for the rescue.

I believe that is amazing!

Some other questions you might have been wondering “how can I be more supportive towards people I love”?

Have you asked that person what they might need from you? Don’t assume you know what they need. There have been many times, when I would vent my feelings to my husband about my day, I did not need him to fix anything.

Men are fixers in most cases, right?

I explained to my husband that he is the one I talk to about the good and bad. I informed him if by chance I need help fixing something I will “ASK” him to jump in and fix it.

Until then, just “LISTEN”. This is so important to women, we for the most part can fix most of the areas that we have trouble in.

We just need the men to respond by nodding to WHATEVER WE ARE SAYING (meaning you are listening)! That you understand our feelings because you are there for emotional support.

So, men, if you want to be on your women’s good side, hush up and listen to what she is talking to you about.

Do not give advice, unless she asks you. Because that advice might land you in the doghouse.

That is possibly why dogs are certified and not men in that department they don’t talk back or fix it. (All jokes aside)

Okay for the men out there, if you remember this, I promise you will be living it up as the King in your home.

(Disclaimer: I am only referencing the “listening” part. I am not informing you that you are the King or that you should live like a King in your marriage/relationship).

Now, let’s proceed…

Try this conversation, tell her to hold on one second before she starts venting. Ask her, “Honey, what would you like me to do in this situation? To problem-solve or just be an empathetic ear? Because I want you to understand I am here for you.”

You will be the gold nugget in her eyes.

Another way someone can show to be an Emotional Supporter is to try and connect with someone by setting aside time to listen and share their thoughts.

Building a connection will establish a trust circle. They will understand that their feelings and struggles will be safe.

By validating someone’s distress you are signaling to them that you see it from their perspective and you understand. This will allow them to recover quickly and it creates positivity where it is needed.

Ask questions, by doing this notion allow the other person to see you are engaged in the conversation. That you want to get a better understanding of where the problem lies so there is no misunderstanding.

Give out compliments and physical affection by saying nice things or by giving hugs. Sometimes a hug solves most things, and they might fall apart in your arms because that is what they needed.

Especially, when their words and emotions are all over the place. Give that hug and hold them until you can feel the tension release.

(Another disclaimer: if they are mad at you…abort the long hug…especially if the tension builds just yell “sorry” as you run.)

One of the most important factors after all of these examples is to follow up.

Check in after the talk, hug, or venting encounter you experienced. This is very meaningful, and it lets them know that you did mean what you said or did for them.

This does not mean you have to do it every day or multiple times a day, just make the moment count.

(All info on this page is just my opinion and thoughts.)

(Please reach out to counselors, and doctors for additional health concerns, benefits, symptoms, and diagnosis.)