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Jun 1, 2023 · A review of 38 studies found that adult friendships, especially high-quality ones that provide social support and companionship, significantly predict well-being and can protect against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety—and those benefits persist across the life span (Pezirkianidis, C., et al., Frontiers in Psychology, Vol ...
Feb 25, 2024 · Friends not only prevent loneliness but they also: Increase your sense of belonging and purpose. Boost your happiness and reduce your stress. Improve your self-confidence and self-worth. Help...
From improved moods to better cardiovascular health, friendships have clear benefits for our minds and bodies – even if historically they've been treated as less...
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels. Research from 2017 shows that having friendships can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Having close friends during adolescent and teenage years can promote mental health during adulthood.
- Increased brain power. 2019 research indicates that social support and friendship can improve cognitive functioning. Maintaining friendships can also prevent mental decline later in life.
- Decreased feelings of loneliness. One of the benefits of friendship is that it can decrease feelings of loneliness. Loneliness can lead to depression and other mental and physical health issues, so alleviating the situation promotes your mental health.
- Increased fitness levels. Exercising with friends can make you more likely to experience increased fitness levels. Studies from 2017 show that people who work out with others exercise more and experience decreased stress levels.
- Talking to Friends About Your Mental Health
- How Do I Tell My Friend?
- Getting Help from People Other Than Friends
- Supporting A Friend Who Has A Mental Health Problem
- How Can I Support My Friend?
- I’m Supporting A Friend, But I’m Feeling Overwhelmed
If you have a mental health problem, you may feel ashamed of ‘admitting’ to it. You may feel that you’re bothering or upsetting your friend, fear being labelled, or worry about how your friendship might change. You don’t have to tell your friends – and you certainly don’t have to tell everyone. Think about who you might feel comfortable talking to....
You may want to practise your opening sentence or you may want to play it by ear. Choose a time and a place where you will both feel comfortable. Think about whether: 1. the place is quiet or noisy, indoors or outside 2. you’re on your own or among other people, for instance, in a pub or café 3. you’re doing an activity together, such as going for ...
If you don’t feel that turning to a friend is an option, there are other forms of informal help. Self-help and peer supportgroups are often useful. By sharing your experiences, you can support other people and learn about how they cope with challenging situations. You could join a group centred around an activity: a book group, a chess club or an e...
If you’re a friend of someone with a mental health problem, you may be concerned about them. The most important thing is to show them that you’re still their friend and you care about them, whether that’s through your words, a hug, or another way that conveys how you feel.
The most valuable support you can provide is just being there to talk and listen. Making time to call, text, visit or invite someone over can make a big difference. Mental health problems can be misunderstood. Simply acknowledging your friend’s problems, accepting them and treating them with compassion is important. Your friend isn’t looking for an...
Some people reach the point where they feel they’ve become more of a carer instead of a friend. You may feel responsible for your friend and worry about what would happen if you weren’t around. It can be painful and embarrassing – on both sides – to admit that this is happening. But there are things you can do to look after yourself and rebalance t...
Oct 15, 2024 · Good friends are good for your health. Friends can help you celebrate good times and support you during bad times. Friends help keep you from feeling alone. Friends also can: Raise your sense of connection, belonging and purpose. Boost your happiness and lower your stress. Improve your self-confidence and feelings of self-worth.
Oct 16, 2024 · The power of friendship can have a deep impact on mental health. Friendships may reduce loneliness, which is a potential risk factor for concerns like depression and anxiety. Having people with whom to talk and connect can support your overall emotional well-being.
