Ultimate Guide to Building a Support Network

Need help building a strong support system? Here's everything you need to know, backed by data and expert insights.

Quick Facts:

• Only 26.4% of Black men ages 18-44 with anxiety/depression get help
• Strong social connections reduce depression, stress and boost health
• Black men are 4x more likely than White men to die by suicide

Here's what a complete support network includes:

Start Building Your Network Today:

1. Check who's already in your corner
2. Join one support group or community
3. Set up weekly check-ins with friends/family
4. Connect with professional help if needed

Free Resources:

• Black Men Heal: 8 free therapy sessions
• BEAM: Online support groups
• Steve Fund: Mental health tools
• Text NOSTIGMA to 707070 for immediate help

This guide walks you through checking your current support system, building new connections, keeping your network strong, and getting past common roadblocks. You'll find practical steps, expert advice, and real solutions that work.

Related video from YouTube

Check Your Current Support System

Before building new connections, take a look at who's already in your corner. A strong network helps with mental health - but you need to know what support you have and what's missing.

Look at Your Relationships

Check each relationship against these key signs of good support:

Red flags to watch out for:

• They try to control your choices
• You feel worse after talking to them
• They share private info without asking
• They're only around in good times
• They put you down or dismiss your feelings

Find Missing Support

The APA's 2022 survey shows most people need more emotional support than they get. Look for gaps in these areas:

"We live in such a high-stress world, where disconnection and fear are promoted among us. As humans we want and need connection and to feel safe and that our needs are being met." - Dr. Stephanie Pituc, licensed psychologist

Here's what to do next:

1. Write down who you turn to when you need help
2. Note which types of support each person provides
3. Mark areas where you need more backup
4. List specific kinds of help you'd like to have

Your network doesn't need to be huge. Even one or two solid supporters can make a big difference. Focus on building deep, reliable connections instead of collecting many surface-level ones.

4 Main Parts of a Support Network

A strong support system needs different types of help. Here's how each part works together:

Family Support

Black families often help each other through:

70% of African Americans give emotional support to family members. That's a lot!

Work and Career Support

The workplace can be tough for Black men. Here's how to build work support:

Community Support

Local groups offer direct help and understanding:

Online Support

Digital resources make getting help easier:

"Daily exposure to [traumatizing] comments, whether on social media or company Slack channels, makes Black Americans feel that they are living in a world that has no empathy for people like them." - Lily Zheng, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Consultant

Here's a shocking stat: Only 26.4% of Black men ages 18-44 with anxiety or depression use mental health services. That's why each part of your support network matters. It fills gaps and gives you backup when you need it most.

How to Build Your Network

Building a strong network is key for Black men seeking support. Here's how to get started:

First Steps

Figure out what you need most. This table matches needs with resources:

Improve Current Relationships

Strengthen your existing connections:

"For Black men to be intentional about providing quality mental health care for brothers, specifically by providers of color, eliminates a lot of barriers." - Rev. W. Douglas Banks, Black Men Heal

Meet New People

Find new connections:

"We pair Black men with Black clinicians, and give them eight free sessions. We got flooded. We didn't think that was going to happen. At one time we had a 1,000-person waitlist." - Zakia Williams, Black Men Heal

Quick Tips:

• Choose places with like-minded people
• Start small - one new connection helps
• Try free sessions first
• Find groups that fit your schedule

Only 26.4% of Black men ages 18-44 get help when feeling down. You're not alone. These steps can help you build the support network you need.

sbb-itb-5d85f74

Keep Your Network Strong

Stay in Touch

Here's how often to connect with your support system:

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity nails this with "Wellness Wednesdays". Members call 4 brothers each week. Simple, but effective.

"When you're amongst your people, you can kind of relax." - Marichal Brown, HAIRitage Barbershop

Give and Take Support

Balance helping others and getting help:

Why it matters:

• 67% of young adults tell friends first when struggling
• 50% of people face mental health challenges
• 1.8 million people reached through support networks last year

HAIRitage Barbershop shows this in action. The Brown brothers offer free therapy during haircuts. Clients get AND give support.

"No one should have to struggle alone." - Active Minds

Quick tips:

• Set reminders for check-ins
• Join regular community events
• Share your experiences
• Keep conversations open
• Make time for face-to-face meetings

Where to Find Help

Black men can access mental health support and build networks through these resources:

Talking To My Thoughts

This platform offers:

BEAM Organization

BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) provides:

BEAM's online support groups connect men facing similar challenges. In 2023, they launched Election Day Meditation Moments to help manage stress.

The Steve Fund

Programs for young people of color:

Why these resources matter:

• Only 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men (18-44) with anxiety or depression use mental health services
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for Black males aged 1-19
• Text NOSTIGMA to 707070 to start getting help

"Life can feel overwhelming due to pressures, expectations, and silent struggles, but individuals do not have to carry it all on their own." - Therapy for Black Men

Additional resources:

• Black Men Heal: Free therapy sessions
• Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: Links to licensed therapists of color
• TherapyForBlackMen.Org: Therapist directory and resources

Getting Past Common Roadblocks

Dealing with Social Pressure

Black men face unique pressures when building support networks. Let's look at the facts:

Many men feel they need to "stay strong". Dr. Earl Turner, Psychologist, explains:

"There's a protective nature to this. I understand why some parents still tell their sons not to show fear. You could be targeted for many reasons."

How to Push Past Barriers:

• Text NOSTIGMA to 707070 for quick support
• Join online groups with other Black men
• Choose spaces that feel right - from anonymous chats to in-person meetings

Claude, a counselor, points out:

"Black men learn early to 'tough it out,' 'not show weakness,' and 'push through like a machine'."

Don't let money stop you:

Dr. Nashira Kayode, therapist and author, warns:

"If we ignore Black men's mental health, we risk more inequality and marginalization."

Here's the truth: CDC data shows Black men have the same rates of anxiety and depression as white men. But they're half as likely to get help. You're not alone - thousands of Black men are working on these issues right now.

Next Steps

Here's how to start building your support network today:

Start Small, Start Now:

1. Check Your Current Circle

Look at who's already in your life. Black Impact program data: men in group activities saw 25% lower stress in 24 weeks.

2. Pick One Weekly Activity

Choose something you'll stick with. Mamba Union workshops show regular meetups help men open up and build bonds.

3. Connect with Organizations

"The Brother, You're on My Mind partnership with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has helped start conversations about mental illness in the Black community." - Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., NIMHD Director

Quick Starts:

• Text a friend for weekly check-ins
• Join a BEAM online group
• Find a local Black Impact program
• Connect with nearby Omega Psi Phi members

CDC data shows you're not alone - thousands of Black men are building stronger support systems right now.

"With proper support, Black men can live healthier, happier lives." - Jarrod D. Benjamin, Author

Track Your Progress:

52 million Americans face mental health challenges. These steps put you ahead in building the support you need.

FAQs

How do you build a strong support network?

Building a support network doesn't have to be complicated. Here's how to get started:

1. Start small: Connect with 1-2 people you trust. Maybe set up weekly check-ins with family.
2. Join groups: Find communities that match your interests. BEAM support groups are a great option.
3. Ask for help: It's okay to need support. Try asking a teacher or coach for extra help.
4. Meet new people: Attend community events or gatherings.

"Community doesn't have to mean a big crowd of friends. It can start with one or two people you can be honest with, laugh with, and turn to when you need help." - Tiffany Eve Lawrence, Author

Here's a sobering fact: In 2020, only 6.6% of African American men got mental health services, compared to 14.1% of white men (NSDUH).

"BIPOC communities often don't engage much with mental health treatment. One big reason? Lack of access to culturally competent care." - Bisma Anwar, LMHC

Want to start building your network today? Try these:

• Text a friend
• Join a local group
• Ask for help with something small
• Connect with people who share your interests

Remember: It's about quality, not quantity. Focus on real connections with people who get you and have your back.

Related posts

• How to Start a Self-Care Routine: Guide for Black Men