How relationships affect mental health?

Relationships affect our mental health in numerous ways depending on the types of relationships that we have. Research has shown that relationships can lower incidences of anxiety and depression and allow us to develop empathy, trust, and even self-esteem. Inversely harmful relationships can be detrimental to our mental health and increase depressive and anxious symptoms and compromise our immune system. Research also tells us that problematic relationships in childhood can result in disordered attachment styles, which affect the forming of future relationships, employment status, and educational outcomes. Relationships are present in every stage of our life, be it friends, romantic partners, coworkers, etc. We form relationships to feel connected, meet needs, perform business, have fun, and relate to others. 

Humans are social creatures, and we learn how to interact with others from the time we are born. Healthy relationships can be a buffer when mental health is suffering or external circumstances are difficult. Calling a friend and venting can result in feeling accepted, validated, and emotionally supported during such times. Feeling like one has a strong group of friends who support them can increase belief in one’s ability to handle life’s difficulties. The building of a strong support system can combat feelings of loneliness, isolation, and hopelessness when facing adversity. Feeling that there are people who will still love you and support you despite failure contributes to feelings of worthiness.

How much we allow relationships to affect our mental health also relies on the nature of the relationship and how important we feel the relationship is in our life. Sometimes relationships can have too much of an effect on mental health when we invest too much into them. It can sometimes be easy to have our happiness and mental health rely solely on our relationships, but that is also not fair to others in those relationships. Relationships can be something that helps you with your mental health, but they should also not be the sole source of relief or support. Managing this is key to creating long-lasting and healthy relationships that will stand the test of time.