INFOGRAPHIC

What Is a Support System?

By Josey Murray
Reviewed by Susan Ko, Ph.D.
January 03, 2025
support system noun A network of people who can offer you physical and emotional help when you need it.

A support system is a network of people who can offer you help when you need it. That could be physical help, like a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or emotional help, like when someone encourages you or listens to your problems or concerns.

A support system can include your family, friends, loved ones, physical and mental healthcare providers, support groups, and other dependable people in your life who you can lean on and who can lean on you. It can include others here in our community too.

Having a dependable support system is helpful for reducing stress, feeling less lonely, and improving your emotional well‑being.