Every person has different challenges and obstacles when it comes to their mental health. Adding more people into the picture makes it even more difficult to maintain a healthy state of mind. Whether you’re navigating a relationship with friends, family members, or a significant other, each new person will bring something unique to your life. When it comes to mental wellbeing, staying proactive is key. This might mean developing habits that keep you accountable or pursuing counseling through a service like BetterHelp. From questions about age gaps to those surrounding codependency and more, know that your feelings are valid. Staying in touch with your emotions will be important as you work towards a healthier mindset so that you can be your best self in each of your relationships.
Friendships
Strong, deep friendships are important for every person to have. It’s more fulfilling to have a few close friends rather than dozens of friends that you don’t really know well. Strengthening friendships takes time, energy, vulnerability, and intentionality. Essentially, you get out of it what you put in. Some friends are better for your mental health than others. The best people to have in your corner are those that support and encourage you, respect your boundaries, and are there for you when you need them. Friends give you a shoulder to cry on, decrease your stress by making you laugh, and let you know you’re never alone.
Family Ties
Your experience growing up will have one of the most drastic effects on your mental health. From poor parenting to traumatic experiences and unavailable caregivers, a lot can go wrong as a child grows up. From loving parents, supportive siblings, and stepparents who came in when it was needed most, a lot can also go right. As a child grows older, however, familial relationships start to change. Sometimes you’ll find yourself drifting away from the people you were once close to, while other times you’ll feel that you couldn’t be closer if you tried. No matter which end of the spectrum you find yourself on, know that family relationships should be built on trust, respect, mutual understanding, and healthy boundaries. Sharing the same DNA as someone doesn’t mean you have to stay connected to that person if they’re harmful to you. Although many issues can be resolved with the help of a qualified mental health professional, this isn’t always the case. Remember that taking care of your mental wellbeing means doing what is best for you.
Romantic Relationships
Romantic relationships affect a person’s mental health immensely, so it’s important to make sure yours is healthy. What works in one relationship may not work in another; it’s all about finding what best serves you and your significant other. It’s healthy to have other platonic friendships outside of your romantic relationship and to pursue your own hobbies and interests. Codependency can sneakily slip into romantic relationships, and you’ll want to avoid it. Healthy romantic relationships center around intimacy, vulnerability, trust, respect, and support for one another.
Relationship with Self
The most important relationship you’ll have is with yourself. Practicing self-care regularly is important. You can incorporate self-care into your life by:
- Reading or journaling
- Creating a space in your home that is welcoming and comforting
- Taking a bath
- Exercising and eating healthy foods
- Listening to music
- Getting enough sleep
No one can pour from an empty cup. To be a good friend, family member, or romantic partner, you first need to be in a healthy place yourself. You should never feel guilty for doing what is best for you or for saying “no.” Maintaining positive mental wellbeing is much more practical when it’s prioritized.
If you find yourself struggling with your mental health in any of your relationships, you should always reach out for help. Confide in a trusted friend or family member or speak with a therapist. Everyone has highs and lows throughout life, but you don’t have to face them alone. Although relationships may make life more complicated at times, they also bring much needed happiness to life. It may just take a little extra time to find the right people for you.
Published on Holr Magazine
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression