Having and maintaining positive relationships is vital to our overall well-being and mental health.
Relationships are important for a number of reasons. For example they can;
o Encourage personal growth – Positive relationships provide an environment that encourages you to grow and develop.
o Provide support – Healthy relationships can feel like a source of support when you are going through difficulties. Having a supportive social circle is a good way to maintain resilience, overcome difficulties and move forward.
o Reduce stress – Sharing your life with friends and coworkers who you trust, who accept, understand and support you reduces stress because you have less potential for interpersonal conflicts.
o Positive relationships can add more meaning to our life -When we have a genuine, positive effect on someone else, we feel like we are making a significant difference in the world. Positive relationships can fulfill our need to belong in a community. Without this sense of belonging we can often feel isolated and disconnected.
Not all relationships are healthy however and some can lead to stress, anxiety and low mood. Learning how to identify the difference between a healthy and un-healthy relationship and developing skills to develop new or build upon the positive relationships can contribute greatly to living a satisfying life.
