How Social Relationships Impact Our Mental Health

Social relationships are connections that exist between people who have meaningful interactions. It includes connections and relationships between family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours, and acquaintances. You can build a strong social relationship with them by having open and regular communication.

Social relationships are crucial factors in determining our mental health. Happy and supportive social relationships help improve our mental, physical, and overall well-being. On the other hand, poor relationships and social isolation cause mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. If you have difficulties opening up with your friends, family or trusted colleagues, then you may benefit from getting some help from a counsellor.

Benefits of Healthy Social Relationships

A strong social connection makes you feel happy, content and less lonely. It provides a space to meet people, chat with them over a call or share difficult situations and thoughts. These interactions make you feel heard and supported. It helps you calm down and feel less anxious. So, by building strong and happy relationships with people around you, it is less likely you will feel alone. And this, in turn, impacts all aspects of your life, especially your mental health.

• It improves the quality of life
• Prevents loneliness
• It gives a sense of satisfaction, purpose, and responsibility
• Reduces anxiety and stress
• Offers support during tough times

Things That Help You Stay More Socially Active

Try these things to stay more socially active. Talk to a mental health professional if you struggle to mingle or open up with others.

1. Stay connected with your friends and family

Catch up with a friend or family member or call them and talk to them. Spend quality time with them to build healthy relationships and make yourself available to them if they need you.

2. Talk those around you

Though it may be uncomfortable for many, reach out to your neighbours, acquaintances, or colleagues if you don’t have anyone to call or visit.

3. Reduce screen time

Excessive screen time affects social relationships and their quality. So, spend minimum time on TV, computers and smartphones to spend quality time with family and friends.

4. Go out

Go out as much as you can for your shopping needs or just take a walk in your neighbourhood to get acquainted. Even better, if you have pets or children, take them out to the nearby park or playground.

5. Attend social activities

Check out for social activities in your locale and volunteer yourself. Use this as an opportunity to spend some time with others, meet new people and help them.

6. Be the first to say HELLO

Don’t be afraid to say hello or share a friendly smile with strangers that you come across in a park, car park or shopping centre.

7. Join community groups

Join a community group related to your interests to meet new people and stay connected with them regularly.