As Muslims, we know that life is full of trials. Allah (SWT) tests us to strengthen our faith in Him through health, wealth, relationships and much more. He has given us ways to build communities and taught us the benefits of it. However, we live in a time where everyone is beginning to feel some level of isolation. We have narrowed down our social circles instead of widening them. We will always come across different kinds of people, but we have the choice of adding positive people who uplift us and removing people who demotivate us. The unity we once had as a community can be rebuilt. In this article, we will discuss what a social support system is and how it can benefit us.

Strong Support System VS a Weak Support System

A strong social support system consists of many trusted relationships that are needed for every human being to thrive. These relationships may include people we know in our personal and professional lives. Building a strong support system requires our conscious efforts. People that we choose to trust and share our lives with and people we call during difficult times need to be emotionally mature. Sincere relationships are vital for humans to navigate through life. A solid and valuable support system allows people to be heard with empathy and to receive genuine advice if needed. Speaking to people in our social support system should make us feel cared for, accepted without judgment, and emotionally relieved. Our family, friends, colleagues, and other professionals can provide us with sound guidance and connect us with appropriate resources.

On the contrary, you can identify a weak system if you are surrounded by people who are not emotionally mature. If you find yourself unable to be vulnerable and be your true self amongst family, friends, or other people in your life, it could be time for a change. If people around you are adding to your problems and you notice you cannot share your concerns with them, you may need to upgrade your social support. There are many instances when we feel emotionally overwhelmed but cannot discuss certain personal matters with family or friends. We may need help setting goals, sorting through our internal (personal) and external (environmental) barriers.

There are many professionals who can be a part of our support system to guide us in finding emotional relief. Speaking to a professional can be extremely valuable when you feel stuck within your current circle, you do not wish to disclose certain matters to friends or family and need closures or resolutions to move forward. Below is a list of several professionals and what they can help with.

Family Care Physicians: Having a trusted family doctor is great as they can get to know you and offer advice and resources according to your specific needs.

Psychologists: Sometimes we all just need listening ears. Psychologists listen without judgement and ask questions that help you finding your own answers. They can also connect you with more resources within the community. Fortunately, we are starting to see more faith-based psychologists as well.

Counsellors: If you need support determining the root cause of a problem and creating action-based solutions, counsellors can help. They listen to your concerns and help you set healthy goals, boundaries, or next steps.

Psychiatrists: Sometimes our issues and concerns are deeper than we think. As humans, we need other people’s support and it is okay if we cannot resolve everything on our own. Suppressed emotions can become difficult to understand. Psychiatrists are trained to help us access our innermost emotions and examine how they may be affecting our day to day lives.

We can regain our self-esteem, confidence, motivation, creativity, and aspirations through seeking as much support as we need.

Remember that stressful emotions need to be addressed.

Remember that trauma (extremely emotional experiences) needs to be expressed.

Remember that you are never alone.

Remember that supportive people/professional can always be found.

Remember that we are not meant to go through hardships on our own.

Resources :

Khalil Center: https://khalilcenter.com/

Nisa Homes: https://www.nisahomes.com/

Noor Counselling: https://www.noorhumanconsulting.com/contact

Canadian Register of Health Services Psychologists: http://www.findapsychologist.ca/wp-content/themes/crhspp/index_search.php

Employee and Family Assistance programs: https://www.morneaushepell.com/ca-en/employee-and-family-assistance-programs