Drawing on Strength from Others

When times are difficult, we all need people who are there for us and will share our problems. You can seek help from your partner, friends, roommates, professors, advisors or anyone who gives you comfort and help.

1. Build a network of friends and supportive relationships. Care for these relationships. Be there for people when they need you, and they will be there for you when you need help. Share your knowledge, love and experience. Aim to have a wide circle of both online and offline friends. Social media provides wonderful opportunities for making new connections and strengthening old ones. But Facebook and Twitter can't replace face-to-face interaction and phone conversations with people you love. Do you have friends and family you can count on in good times and bad for that kind of support? If not, make it a top priority to develop stronger connections by reaching out to others, both on a one-to-one basis and through groups of people who share your interests and deep values.
2. Don't let yourself withdraw from people. Sometimes we tend to withdraw or back away from people we care about when we're faced with a challenge. We don't want to worry them with our problems. But shouldering a crisis or challenge alone is one of the worst things you can do.
3. Contact an advisor/counselor through the My SSP app. The program can provide you with information on finding a support group, coping with a crisis and managing small and big changes in your life. You can text or call directly through the app.

Article provided by My Student Support Program (My SSP). Franklin University offers free 24/7 counseling support through the My Support Program (My SSP) to all students and their spouses or domestic partners. Please click here to learn more.