Social support, or relationships with others,
can help everyone. Social support is especially important for people with
lots of stress, or those who struggle with feeling sad or worried. It can
be hard to find social support, especially when you are depressed or anxious.
One way to build relationships with others can be through volunteering. Offer
to help your neighbor rake his lawn. Or trade work or chores with one another.
You could offer to watch a neighbor's child for a few hours in exchange for help mowing the lawn.
You could also offer to start a carpool with other parents from your child's school.
This will give you a chance to get to know lots of parents over time. Exchanging help
can make you feel good for helping another person, while getting assistance
doing things that are more difficult for you.
Joining recreational groups can also help you build social support.
Many areas have bowling groups, book clubs, craft groups, exercise groups and
church groups. There are also many different groups of parent groups.
Try looking on facebook, at your local library, YMCA or bulletin boards at local cafes and stores.
