Draw a Circle of Support

Find your tribe. Most hospitals and some community centers and health clinics host various support groups. Gathering with others who are struggling with similar issues can be a tremendous source of support.

If you can’t find the right group, create one. Go online, talk to friends, and set up regular meetings (either virtual or in person) to stay in touch and help each other.

Let people help. Good friends can cook meals, babysit, or run errands for you.

Get Support

Support in your life from family, friends, and your community has a big impact on how you experience stress. Having support in your life can help you stay healthy.

Support means having the love, trust, and advice of others. But support can also be something more concrete, like time or money. It can be hard to ask for help. But doing so doesn’t mean you are weak. If you are feeling stressed, you can look for support from:

• Family and friends.
• Coworkers or people you know through hobbies or other interests.
• A professional counselor
• People you know from church, or a member of the clergy
• Employee assistance programs at work, or stress management classes
• Support groups. These can be very helpful if your stress is caused by a special situation. Maybe you are a caregiver for someone who is elderly or has a chronic illness.