“No. I don’t think I’m available anytime soon to hang out with you.”
This is exactly what Anna, one of my long-time clients who has been struggling with feelings of loneliness, said when she cut off her toxic friends.
She wandered outside to have some time with herself. She was trying to process her actions in cutting off her toxic friend. Little did she know that she would also be gaining a new friendship that very day.
Anna met a new friend during that time, a friend with whom she can say that she has a healthy relationship. How did she know?
There was a time when Anna wasn’t in the mood to talk. Having told her new friend about her mood, she respected Anna’s feelings and gave her some space.
Anna’s new friend always asks if she’s mentally strong enough to listen.
These are just a few instances where Anna and her new friend show what a healthy friendship is. Anna has never felt more secure or at peace since she cut off her toxic friend and gained this new friend. As a matter of fact, I’ve seen her improve in our therapy sessions since she met her new friend.
What Can We Learn From Anna’s Experience?
Anna’s story proves that healthy friendships are important for mental health. Sometimes we don’t realize how much the people around us affect our mental health.
A healthy friendship is one of the most important things you can have in your life. Mental health is a complex and often misunderstood topic, but having healthy friendships can have a profound impact on your overall well-being.
Why Are Healthy Friendships So Important For Mental Health?
Here are five reasons why healthy friendships are so important for mental health:
1. Friends provide support during tough times.
We all go through tough times in our lives, and having friends to lean on can make a world of difference. Good friends will be there for you when you need them, whether you’re dealing with a difficult situation at work or going through a personal crisis. They’ll offer a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and sage advice when you need it most.
2. Friends help you stay connected.
People who have strong social connections are happier and healthier than those who don’t, according to numerous studies. Friendships provide a sense of belonging and connectedness that can help buffer against feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
3. Friends can challenge you to grow.
Having friends who push you to be your best self is another important aspect of a healthy friendship. They challenge you to try new things, expand your horizons, and grow as a person. They also hold you accountable for your actions and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
4. Friends make you laugh.
Laughter is one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal against stress, anxiety, and depression. Good friends know how to make you laugh, even when you’re feeling down. They help you see the silver lining in every cloud and remind you that life is always worth living.
5. Friends are there for the long haul.
A healthy friendship is one that lasts over time. Good friends are there for you through the ups and downs of life, sticking by you through thick and thin. They’re the ones you can always count on, no matter what.
Again, I cannot emphasize this enough, a healthy friendship is one of the most important things you can have in your life. If you’re lucky enough to have good friends, cherish them and do everything you can to nurture those relationships. They just might be the key to happy and healthy mental health.
Shirley Therapeutic and Consulting Services, LLC, is a diverse therapy clinic that can meet the needs of anyone. If you’d like to talk about your mental health, feel free to message us here. In case of emergency or thoughts of suicide, please click on this link: https://www.sprc.org/states/georgia
Want to know yourself more? Take this free 4Ps (peace, passion, pleasure, and purpose) quiz to help you figure out which of the 4Ps is missing in your life right now.
