Research has shown that relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives. People who are more socially connected to family, friends, and their community are happier, healthier, live longer, and experience fewer mental health problems than people who are less connected.
Each relationship you hold is different and has the power to make you feel a different way. Your connection, level of love, and mental health all shift based on who you are connecting with and how you are connecting with them. With so many types of personalities and connections, it’s important to prioritize your mental health in each relationship.
Platonic relationships and mental health
Platonic relationships exist in various forms such as friends, roommates, family members, and colleagues. Healthy platonic relationships are focused on celebrating successes, recognizing growth, admitting failures, and charging on to new beginnings. Having these unique connections allows you to experience various feelings and levels of connection with each person. However, when your mental health begins to suffer due to the people in your life, it may be time to reevaluate things and make adjustments.
According to Healthline, boundaries are one of the most important—if not the most important—elements of maintaining a healthy platonic friendship. They help protect your emotional well-being, and by honoring another person’s boundaries, you demonstrate respect for their needs as well. Only you can determine what boundaries you need to move forward and to prioritize your mental health.
Romantic relationships and mental health
As you become romantically involved with someone, you may feel that you are losing your sense of self or that you are becoming more and more like your partner. Change is inevitable, and each of you are guaranteed to change as time goes on, but your mental health shouldn’t diminish in the process. As you look to grow together, it is important that you grow on your own as well.
Mind Body Green shares that it is important to respect, be open with, and trust your romantic partner while maintaining honesty, mutual empathy, and honor their boundaries. If your partner starts to violate that sense of trust and you no longer feel safe, you need to take a step back and reevaluate the relationship and its effects on your mental well-being.
As an adult, you are in charge of your mental health and knowing what you need. It is up to you to communicate these with others. If you need guidance towards the best course of action, connect with Valley Oaks Health and consider an individual or group counseling session.
