The headspace Clinical Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website.
Last reviewed 3 July 2018
Healthy relationships are super important for your mental health. When you spend time with people you care about, who care about you, this can help you feel connected and supported.
And yet, we know relationships aren’t always easy. Starting new relationships can often be scary. And if you’re experiencing mental health difficulties you may feel like disconnecting from people, rather than reaching out.
But here’s the thing – the more you work on your relationships, the stronger they get.
Strong relationships can give you support when you need it and provide a sense of belonging and community. And when you spend time connecting with and supporting others, your wellbeing improves too!
Here’s how investing in relationships can improve your headspace:
“I find it hard to focus on relationships when I’m struggling. When I moved away from home for Uni I was thrown into this environment where I didn't really know anyone and I did just have to make a lot of attempts at making friends. I think that's probably been a big source of anxiety for me – going out, trying to meet people and knowing it's not always going to work out.
I wasn’t a big party animal, I wasn’t really extroverted. But I learnt that you don't have to change yourself to try and fit into new friendships and new relationships and things like that. I focused on small level interactions that might not always eventually turn into a relationship. I think just having the confidence just to say, "Hi, how are you going?" Small talk was good to stay connected with my wider social environment.
I’ve come to see that working on relationships brings me out of my shell, not just talking to people, but getting out of the house and going to events and meeting new people as well. Sharing those new experiences, it gives me more energy, a bit more life and meaning, I guess. It’s a chance to find out more about yourself and others.”
When you’re feeling stressed, anxious or low on energy it’s important to put healthy habits in place – to give yourself a better chance of coping with life’s challenges.
The headspace Clinical Reference Group oversee and approve clinical resources made available on this website.
Last reviewed 3 July 2018