5 Places to Get the Support You Need

Every person needs support in life. Even the most independent, strong person needs support occasionally. This may be financial support when a job has been lost, emotional support during a health crisis, prayer support when families are struggling, or food and shelter if finances are in dire need. Sometimes, if people are struggling with an issue that they can’t resolve, they may need mental health support.

Whatever the type of support, a person must have resources at their fingertips to access the resources they need when they need them.

In the United States, we live in a highly individualized culture. During COVID-19, however, people learned to become even more independent and isolated. Because people were stuck in their homes, they stopped leaning on each other for support. Even with Zoom and other technological advances, people stopped recognizing the need for community.

People are more isolated than ever before. Because of this, mental health issues have risen in the past few years. People are more hesitant than ever to ask for support when needed. However, although a good one if stable, family is not the only place where people can get support. Sometimes, people have families that either do not have the resources or are estranged and are consequently not a source of help.

5 Places to Find Support

You can get the support you need in many places if family is not an option. Here are five places to get the support you need.

Friends

Find a group of friends that is there for you through tough times. You don’t need a lot of friends in life to know you are being supported. Find a group of three or four people you know who have your back. Allow them to be the people to help you in times of crisis. It can be easy to let pride or other intrusive thoughts get in the way and reject their help when suffering from an issue.

Friends want to be there to help others. They want to provide meals, prayer, a listening ear, help you with watching your children, or help you find a job. Whatever help you need, a friend can be there to help. Feel free to ask for help and reach out. We all need each other at some time in our lives.

Small Groups

Programs like Grief Share, Celebrate Recovery, AA, and other programs may be the support you need. Although some are in churches, not all are there. Find a local place where those programs are being offered. Although it’ll take some bravery, it could be life-changing to take the time to go out and befriend people in the same situation as you.

Share your story and allow sharing to help you heal. Hear other stories and know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, it is just as good for you to empathize with other people’s feelings as it is for people to empathize with you.

Furthermore, bonds and intimacy form when deep stories are shared. These people are also there for you after hours when you need support. Find the help of a person who can keep you accountable if you are struggling with an addiction. Many of these programs offer sponsors or mentors you can contact anytime. If you are working on your mental health and feel in despair, for example, you can contact these mentors and have someone to listen to.

Local Organizations

Many local organizations in your town or city are there to help. Numerous nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other local food shelters and pantries are set up to give out food to those in need. If you need shelter, many cities offer shelters to house people, either long-term or short-term.

The YMCA also has places for people to stay if temporary shelter is needed. Feel free to contact the local areas in your town or city. You may be required to fill out paperwork to see if you qualify for aid.

However, getting the support you need is worth the time and investment it would take. There is no shame in walking into a food pantry or soup kitchen when times are tough. Every person needs help occasionally, and you may also find community with others suffering from similar hardships. Being able to share your story and your burden with others may help reinforce that you’re not alone and can help lighten your load, even if it’s for a short while.

NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has a hotline you can call from 10 am to 10 pm Eastern Time. If you’re struggling with suicidal ideations or depression, you can call that number at any time.

This is a better alternative than calling the police if you’re having a mental health breakdown. These people can help discover whether you are in a situation where you need hospitalization or other professional care. This is a great support and free. You will speak to people who are trained to help with issues like yours.

Sometimes, it is good to hear a kind voice on the phone and know that someone is there for you. Call the number to discover local places where NAMI is available. Not only do they have offices where you can learn more about what they do and how you can be supported, but some hospitals offer this for free. This type of help can be an incredible resource for you as you struggle with emotions, needing emotional or mental support.

If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and/or thoughts of harm to others, please call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

Church

Church is a great place to get any support you need. Churches have many resources, from physical resources where they take donations for food to mental health support through pastors and other leaders who can offer counseling and listen when someone needs it. The small group model, provided for free to attendees, is also an excellent place for people to get support.

Not only is church a place to receive prayer, but also to learn more about God and who He is. Although no place is perfect, the church is a wonderful place for every type of support you may need whenever you need it.

Counselors

Counselors are an excellent resource for support and help. Find a local counselor in your area. Counselors can speak to not only the mental and emotional issues that are plaguing you but also offer spiritual help, if desired.

Since the mind, body, and spirit are connected, exercises to change your mind and heart can be helpful. A counselor can help you discover the root of your struggles.

For example, if you were dealing with a previous trauma that still plagues you, it can affect both your mind and emotions. A counselor can help identify the trauma, process it with you, and then help you transform your mind and heart so that you can live in freedom.

Christian Counseling in Washington State

Everyone needs support at some time in life. Step out in faith and reach out to any of the above places for the support you need. Whether you’re struggling with an addiction or mental health disorder or need financial help, there are people out there who care and want to help. Seek support from the people and the resources in place to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact our office to find a Christian counselor in Washington state who is ready and available to help.