The term ‘psychosocial’ refers to the dynamic relationship between the psychological dimension of a person and the social dimension of a person. The psychological dimension includes the internal, emotional, and thought processes, feelings, and reactions, and the social dimension includes relationships, family and community networks, social values, and cultural practices. ‘Psychosocial support’ refers to the actions that address both the psychological and social needs of individuals, families, and communities. 

Why is psychosocial support important

If people are empowered to care for themselves and each other, their individual and communal self-confidence and resources will improve. This, in turn, will encourage positive recovery and strengthen their ability to deal with challenges in the future.

We are the sum of our relationships and the people we surround ourselves with. Only when we feel safety and protection around our connections will we feel like opening up about our personal struggles. Psychosocial support helps support people to care for themselves and for their relationships with others. This helps people feel safe and better able to deal with a crisis.

Further, it’s important to understand that the help or support a person might need is subjective to their unique circumstances. Research also shows that when it comes to supporting, there isn’t just one way to be a mental health ally.

How we can provide psychosocial support?

We can give support to people in ways that feel more comfortable to us. The first and most important skill to work on, regardless of the type of support you give, is empathy. Second in order, would be a willingness to learn the different mental health challenges that might exist. Third would be the skill of non-judgmental listening. 

It is from that space of empathizing and respecting what one is going through can you provide support in the way you like. If we look around our circle of connections, we might notice a variation in the type of support we get when we feel mentally unwell, and the type of support we give others. It is important to note that, given the subjectivity to mental health challenges and our proximity with the person, our preferred style of support could change. 

Wouldn’t it be great to know your support style (the way you ask and receive help_ so you can make life better for those around you? Simple take this short quiz to discover your support language!