The Importance of Social Support in Mental Health: How Temporary Use Aid is Making a Difference

Mental health is a pressing concern that has gained increased attention in recent years due to its impact on individuals across different age groups, classes, and genders. Mental health issues can stem from various factors such as stress, trauma, genetics, and environmental factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mental health. The pandemic has caused widespread fear, uncertainty, and stress, which has contributed to an increase in mental health issues. Several factors associated with the pandemic have led to a decline in mental health, including social isolation, financial insecurity, job loss, disrupted routines, and uncertainty about the future.

Studies have shown that the pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in depression and anxiety symptoms. A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 41% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety in June 2020, compared to 11% in 2019.

Additionally, the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on certain populations, including healthcare workers, essential workers, and people with pre-existing mental health conditions. These individuals have been exposed to higher levels of stress and trauma, which has resulted in an increased risk of developing mental health issues.

The pandemic has also disrupted access to mental health services, with many mental health providers closing their offices or transitioning to telehealth services. This has made it more challenging for individuals to access the care they need, particularly those with limited access to technology or who are not comfortable with virtual services.

Regardless of the cause, mental health problems can significantly impact a person’s life.

Studies have found that having at least one strong source of social support can positively impact our overall well-being. This support can come from different sources, such as family, friends, mentors, or coaches. Having someone to turn to when feeling down or overwhelmed can be incredibly beneficial. Research shows that people with strong social connections tend to report better mental health outcomes, including fewer depressive symptoms, than those who lack such connections.

This is where Temporary Use Aid can make a real difference. By providing temporary spaces for charitable organizations to work from, they are creating opportunities for people to come together and connect with one another, this social support can play an essential role.

“We are extremely grateful for the use of Temporary Use Aid space.  Our offices have allowed us as a small charity to continue to offer our services to the women and families of Birmingham and beyond.” – Stillwaters charity

‘This service is essential for anyone in this situation.  I was consumed by anger, guilt, and shame because of everything that happened.  This service literally saved my life and I am so grateful to my amazing counsellor at Stillwaters for everything she did.  She picked me up in my darkest moments and helped to give my life purpose and find myself again.  I felt so lost and angry, the step about anger taught me so many constructive ways to deal with my anger and become content and happy in myself again.  There isn’t a single way I could ever make up or pay back what you have done for me!’ – a Stillwaters charity service user.

For people struggling with mental health issues, having connections with others who are facing similar challenges can be particularly beneficial. Talking with people who understand what they are going through can be helpful, as it can help them realize that they are not alone in their feelings. This can provide insight into how others have coped with similar situations, which can help them develop strategies for dealing with their own mental health issues. Temporary Use Aid is helping create environments where people can come together to support each other.

In addition to providing social support, having access to temporary spaces to work out of can be beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health issues in other ways. For example, having a space to work out of can provide a sense of purpose and structure, which can be helpful when dealing with depression or anxiety. It can also provide a sense of community, which can help people feel less isolated and alone. By providing these spaces, Temporary Use Aid is helping to create environments where people can feel supported, connected, and valued.

“As a result of the ‘free space’ allocated to Unite, we have been able to engage with over 300 beneficiaries and host 45 Kick-start Employees and 10 permanent staff. “ – Unite charity

It is crucial to remember that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their background, age, or gender. We all have times in our lives when we need support and help from others. The support created by Temporary Use Aid plays an essential role in helping people deal with their mental health issues and can lead to improved mental wellbeing for all. According to a report by the World Health Organization, approximately one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Therefore, the importance of addressing mental health concerns and providing adequate support cannot be overstated.