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A Stepping Stone: Finding and Using Support
Changes in your life can knock you off your feet. Until now, you have been in charge of your life. Suddenly you feel isolated, overwhelmed by stress and anxiety. You feel helpless and out of control. Now when you are the one who needs nurturing, how do you begin to care for yourself? Reaching out for support can help you manage. Sometimes it may be difficult to seek support. In our professional experience we have found that, although some women initially feel vulnerable asking for support, we all grow to feel empowered once we have incorporated it into our lives. Support comes in many forms. If you need information, we encourage you to go to the Internet, to libraries or bookstores, to seminars or classes, to national or community service organizations or to professionals. If you need assistance in getting something accomplished, often friends, family, community service organizations or private agencies may be your best resources. The most powerful form of support is the emotional support that comes from community - family, friends, or caring others. Historically, in good times and bad, our relationships with other women have enriched our lives. When women under stress join together to sustain each other, we all benefit. Through sharing our common concerns and life experiences we gain a sense of camaraderie, understanding and acceptance. Mutual support helps diminish the feelings of isolation, anxiety and helplessness and brings a sense of control back into our lives. Support may also impact our physical well being. Recent scientific literature has identified a biological basis for the value of these social networks. It has been proposed that oxytocin, a hormone released during the stress response, promotes affiliative behavior and reduces distress. Supportive women have served us well as role models and teachers, advisors and mentors. We hope you will now take advantage of this most valuable tool. Strengthen yourself through your connection to other women. |
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DISCLAIMER: The purpose of Her Mentor Center ™ is to provide information, education,
and mentoring services. It does not provide psychotherapy, counseling,
or any other psychological services or treatment. If you feel
the need for psychological help, you should contact your local mental
health professional associations. © Copyright Her Mentor Center 2000-2006. All rights reserved. |
