Support System

A strong support system is vital for everyone, especially when you suffer from chronic illness and disability. Your support system is your medical team, family, friends, and mentors.  The right people at the right moment can make a huge difference in a person's life. Never underestimate the role individuals play as part of your support system. Everyone needs guidance and direction, wisdom and hope, encouragement and motivation, empathy and understanding, love and support. They can be a pillar of strength when you need it the most, and sometimes when you least expect it. We all need the support of loved ones, and sometimes, when you are sick, it can give the lift and encouragement you need to persevere. Simple words of encouragement can turn a bad day into a good day. A strong support system is like battle armor; it helps you get through the battles you face. Most people never realize the benefits of support because they may have never needed it. Unlike those who face overwhelming challenges due to health and disability,  their support system is the cheering squad, well-wishers, and uplifters. Even if you are not sick, a support system proves beneficial, especially on days when you feel down and lost. Consider your support system, your encouragers, and your pillars that give you the boost when you need it the most.

“My support system is simple - people and time. The miracle of other people in your life.” - Kiki Smith

“The support system in life is like the immune system; works promptly and in silence.” - Vikram Verma

“Everyone needs a support system, be it family, friends, coworkers, therapists, or religious leaders. We cannot do life alone and expect to keep mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. Everyone needs some sort of support system on which to rely.” - Richelle E. Goodrich

“If you have a good support system like your family and your friends around you, then you can’t go wrong. So just believe in yourself, do your thing, and stay strong in what you believe in.” ― Roman Reigns

“Life is not a solo act. It’s a huge collaboration, and we all need to assemble around us the people who care about us and support us in times of strife.” ― Tim Gunn

Individuals living with chronic illness and disability most definitely require a strong, dedicated support system. We all have bad and good days; your support system reminds you to keep fighting and stay in the fight. They serve as your personal confidence booster to encourage and guide you through difficult times. At times we do need a proverbial kick in the ass when we begin to stray and get off track with life's burdens. The right support system of family, friends, and medical professionals can have a profound impact on your well-being. I can personally attest to that, my support system has helped me through the most difficult of times. Especially on days that I needed a confidence booster, someone to vent with or even laugh with. The therapeutic value is invaluable, especially when a person requiring the support, receives it from those individuals who are the closest. I believe your family and friends, who are part of your support system, are your very own pillars of strength that keep you engaged and motivated and help you sustain your fight. While your medical support system provides you with the guidance and treatment that enables you to continue to get well. We all need a support system, whether we are sick or not. Everyone needs encouragement and motivation, a shoulder to cry on, people to boost their spirits, and those who simply care.

 “Your support network is the solid ground from which you can propel yourself upwards.” ― Anna Barnes

“It’s about working hard, resting when you need to, leading a healthy life, and having a support structure around you. These factors help you improve.” 

― Adama Traore

“I’m lucky to have a great support system in my friends and some of my family. If you have those people that you trust, go ahead and fall back into them and let them be your hammock and cocoon and let them embrace you.”

― JoJo

“Be around people who can keep your energy and inspiration high. While you can make progress alone, it’s so much easier when you have support.” — Joe Vitale

“Be kind to yourself and have a good support system.”

- Nikki DeLoach

“Surround yourself with people who don't just ask how you are doing. Surround yourself with people who make an effort to make sure they are part of the reason you are doing so well.” - Jennae Cecelia

The lack of a support system is detrimental to your well-being; it can also affect your growth and development as a person. Those individuals without a dedicated support system become overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. Eventually, it can lead to depression, which is why you must have a dedicated support system. Chronic illness can force many stressful lifestyle changes and may also create feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness. Individuals must learn to adapt to live with their illness, as they fight to cope, manage, or even to have a chance at recovery. Nothing in life is easy, especially when you are fighting an ongoing illness that challenges you every single day. Your friends and family, who are part of your support system, can help you cope with your day-to-day struggles. Whether they are right next to you or just a phone call away. You can be your support system, by advocating for yourself when it pertains to your well-being.  You must be an active participant in your treatment and care. Take heed of the guidance and direction that your care and treatment team provides. Self-care is very important to ensure that you always put yourself first. Have faith to believe in yourself above anything else; even God wants you to have faith to believe in yourself, and to overcome the obstacles and challenges you may face in life.

“Emotional support provides people with a sense of love, reassurance, and belonging.” ― David Haber

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying ‘I will try again tomorrow.'” — Mary Anne Radmacher

“Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” ― Misty Copeland

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”

— Winston Churchill

“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” — Maya Angelou

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

— Dr. Seuss