Personal Support System Follow-up

Yesterday, I shared a little about our support systems and the importance of having one. I encouraged you to think of and write your list of who you know you can count on for help.

Today, I'd like to compare lists and see if you thought of everyone within your life you could count on. So get your list ready and we'll compare....

So... I'm curious... did any of the following people make your list?

• Family doctor or your child's physician, nurse or secretary
  

• Psychiatrist
  

• Pharmacist – pharmacist aid
  

• Person(s) involved with your religious affiliation (Priest, Reverend, Minister etc) or other member(s)
  

• Support Groups – Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Mental Health Groups, Bereavement Support, Gamblers / Addictions Anonymous
  

• Co-workers 

• Employer's Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Counsellors – employment counsellor, mental health counsellor, group facilitator
  

• Case Managers – Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Employment Insurance (EI), Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) or others as example
  

• Mental Health Distress Lines
  

• Crisis services
  

The most important thing about this exercise is realizing who is around you that you can go to for help or guidance when you are struggling. Each person is on your list for different reasons that only you know. Your comfort level will dictate how much you will share with each person. Only you can decide who to talk to and how much you are willing to share.

Please remember that help is available and you do not have to go through this alone. I do realize that one of the hardest things to do is to admit that you need help. But hey guess what? You are human, and we as people often need help. Help is out there and there is help to find the help too, so don't be discouraged to ask. There is no shame in asking for help. The only shame is not asking for help when you know you need it. And the shame is that you lose out when you don't have to.

Written by Tammy Taylor HSW DSW
Taken from "Living with Chronic Pain - A Patient's Perspective