Social Support

By On · Add Comment · In autism, weight loss, wellness

Did you know that social isolation negatively impacts stress and coping mechanisms?

Many people on autism spectrum but also  a lot of people struggling with change in their life do not have strong social support networks and may be socially isolated. Having a social support network has been identified as being a key component in achieving success. Some people many not know when to turn for help, or who to turn to. Some people may not be able to make a good choice of a “support” safe person and relay on people that don’t have their best interest at heart.

So what can be done? Here are few pointers

  • Get involved with local support groups, churches and non profit organization. Find people who struggle with similar situation to yours. A lot of them will have experience in daily situations that you are going through right now and can help you figure out what worked and what haven’t worked for them. Learn from their experience! it will save you time and struggle.
  • Build true friendships. Associate with people who have similar interest and believes  to yours and who are willing to be there for you. Establish a regular pattern of talking/meeting/ spending time together. Have someone you can trust and advocate for you in situations that you are not able too (ex. medical emergencies etc).
  • Remember the quality of friendship is more important then quantity of relationships that you may have. It is better to spend time and efforts with few true friends than run around with a lot of people that don’t really care about you.
  • Have a contact list ready and at hand. Sometimes in extreamly stressful situations we freeze and don’t know who to reach to.  This is true especially for people living on autism spectrum. If you know that under stress  you may loose the  ability to speak, carry an emergency note that you can point people to. The note should explain your condition and have a contact person information on it. Same is true if you are diabetic.  And regardless of who you are, we all should have emergency contact in the wallet or on the cell phone.

Remember you are not alone. Other people are going through similar problems to yours. Rich out and build your allies. There is always someone willing to help.

Till the next time

Karolina  LaBrecque

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