Human connection is at the core of good mental wellness. There are times we need to talk, cry, find ways to laugh and play, or ask friends and family for encouragement.

Surrounding yourself with positive influences and supportive friends can make all the difference. Notice who brings you joy and who might be harming your emotional well-being.

Focus on the quality of your friendships and relationships. Building strong, meaningful relationships provides us with the love and care we need during hard times.

Good relationships and friendships mean:

  • Being open-minded and honest

  • Celebrating life’s ups and being there during life’s downs

  • Compassion and empathy between parties

  • Accountable, stable, and secure bonds

  • Bringing out the best in the other person while accepting them for who they are

If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust and be open with them – we’re all vulnerable, and we all need support in different ways at different times. Being open with a loved one on how you are doing will strengthen your relationships and form deeper friendships.

You need to put your oxygen mask on first, once you’ve done that – reach out if you notice a friend or family member who may be struggling. The small act of reaching out can make someone’s day just a little brighter.

Unplug and reconnect – Social media rarely shows the full picture of someone’s life, nor does it show your friends the authentic love you have for them. Check-in with your friends rather than just liking a photo. Show them how much you care in a way you find meaningful.

Real-Life Support Helps More Than Social Media

The Secret To Living Longer May Be Your Social Life

Most importantly, be kind to yourself and others. Empathy can make all the difference during daily interactions to create a happy and comfortable environment for friends and family. You never know what the person might be going through and the impact you can make.

You need to put your oxygen mask on first, once you’ve done that – reach out if you notice a friend or family member who may be struggling. The small act of reaching out can make someone’s day just a little brighter.

Unplug and reconnect – Social media rarely shows the full picture of someone’s life, nor does it show your friends the authentic love you have for them. Check-in with your friends rather than just liking a photo. Show them how much you care in a way you find meaningful.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself and others. Empathy can make all the difference during daily interactions to create a happy and comfortable environment for friends and family. You never know what the person might be going through and the impact you can make.

Resources

(listening to the audio versions is another great option!)

  • The Lonely Century, How to Restore Human Connection in a World That’s Pulling Apart by Noreena Hertz

  • Modern Love by Aziz Asari

  • The Village Effect by Susan Pinker

  • Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone

  • Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection In a Sometimes Lonely World by Vivek Murthy

  • The Art of Showing Up: How To Be There For Yourself And Your People by Rachel Miller

  • What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez

  • Checking In: How Getting Real With My Depression Saved My Life — and Can Save Yours by Michelle Williams

  • Love People, Use Things: Because The Opposite Usually Never Works by Joshua Millburn

Healthy Coping Skills