# Social Support **Domain:** Social Psychology / Health **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition **Social Support** is the emotional, informational, practical, and protective assistance available through trusted relationships and communities. ## Mechanism and Practice Support changes both perceived and material vulnerability. Connection can distribute vigilance, provide comfort, improve recovery, and preserve action during periods when isolated individuals would carry every burden alone. ## Relationships - **Related concepts:** [[wiki/Community Support|Community Support]] · [[wiki/Stress and Cognition|Stress and Cognition]] · [[wiki/Resilience|Resilience]] ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “Among social primates, isolated individuals are more vulnerable than those with allies. Connection offers protection and comfort. Building a circle of support is one of the wisest investments during hard seasons.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Late-Night Callers on Purpose, Recovery, and Personal Power - Livestream (Oct 2015)* [[reminders/Human Animality/Connection Protects Us in Hard Seasons by Bryant McGill|Connection Protects Us in Hard Seasons by Bryant McGill]] > “We need one another. No individual can overcome every obstacle alone, which is why communities of people who encourage, protect, and witness for each other are so powerful. Shared encouragement turns isolated effort into momentum.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Cultural Conditioning and the Work of Self-Determination - Livestream (Aug 2016)* [[reminders/Social Capital/Shared Encouragement Turns Effort Into Momentum by Bryant McGill|Shared Encouragement Turns Effort Into Momentum by Bryant McGill]] > “Social animals that face hardship alone suffer more than those with companions, and a trusted ally changes how threats are faced. People are no different, so a single steady witness can make a painful season survivable. Standing together is often the strongest form of resilience.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Generosity, Compassion, and Becoming a Witness for Another Life - Livestream (Oct 2015)* [[reminders/Resilience/One Steady Witness Makes Hardship Survivable by Bryant McGill|One Steady Witness Makes Hardship Survivable by Bryant McGill]]