Understanding What a Support Network Is

The social support network refers to the people and resources around you who can offer support. This network plays a critical role in addressing both your needs and those of the person being helped. It's also seen as a safety net during tougher times. When clearly identified, it's easier to reach out to this network. During crises, it can be more challenging to see clearly, and confusion about the composition of the support network is common. Thus, recognizing your support network is important and crucial.

A context not without challenges

It's important to note that having a support network is not solely dependent on the caregiver's will, as there are several real challenges in creating this network, including delays in the healthcare system, unavailability of certain family members, complex relationship dynamics, etc. These obstacles can explain why caregivers often feel like their support network doesn't exist. Feelings of discouragement and frustration can arise when caregivers' needs for support are unmet. These feelings are very normal and valid. However, they have the potential to foster limiting beliefs ("no one can help me, I will never get help") that can interfere with obtaining the said help. It's important to recognize that building your support network requires patience and openness.

This is neither a predictable nor easy process. Dissatisfaction with one's support network can result in a sense of powerlessness. In the face of this vicious circle, it's an invitation to assess how we can take responsibility for each need. For instance, when needing support related to a trip for the person being helped, you might ask yourself: does the person I am asking have all the information needed to respond freely and informed? Have I clearly identified and communicated my need in "I" terms? We invite you to refer to the blog article on request formulation to improve their effectiveness.

Let's remember that it's impossible to meet all the needs of the person being helped alone and that everyone identified in the support network can contribute. It's helpful to pay attention to the types of tasks each person prefers to do in advance, to save time and energy by not asking several people who might not be comfortable with a specific task. The next sections aim to expand the concept of the support network by acknowledging all types of help and provide a very concrete tool for identifying the composition of your network.