This description will explore the role of social support in mental health. It will discuss the importance of having a strong social support system in order to maintain good mental health, as well as the different types of social support that are available. It will also discuss how social support can help to reduce the
Social support is the perception and actuality that one is cared for, has assistance available from other people, and, most popularly, that one is part of a supportive social network. These supportive resources can be emotional, informational, or companionship ; tangible or intangible. Social support can be measured as the perception that one has assistance available, the actual received assistance, or the degree to which a person is integrated in a social network. Support can come from many sources, such as family, friends, pets, neighbors, coworkers, organizations, etc.