Friendship plays an important role in social well-being. In fact, it has been shown that close friendships can reduce the onset of depression and improve our cardiovascular health. You'll be delighted to learn that a recent study published in the journal American Psychologist suggests that there are many benefits of friendship to our mental health and wellbeing. So whether you have just one close friend or have several good friends, it is important to focus on developing these relationships as they are a crucial element to our social well-being.
Traits that make a good friend:
1. Respect. A good friend is someone who is trustworthy because they respect you and themselves. A good friend will help you make positive healthy changes in your life, which means that they help you avoid jeopardizing your health and general well-being in the future. Because it's important to be around people who can positively impact your life without compromising their own.
2. Kindness. Kindness is contagious. Try to surround yourself with good people who possess a bit of kindness, because that can help you become a kinder person yourself.
3. Support. A good friend will make time to be supportive and understanding, but you have to make sure to be a good friend as well. Support should not be one-way. It is important for you to be open, honest and kind; this makes it easier for the other person to trust you and share their troubles or worries with you.
People with ties to their communities and families, as well as quality friendships, have higher self-esteem, a sense of control over their lives, and greater feelings of social support. All of these factors can help improve your mental health and prevent you from developing serious physical problems.
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This website is not a substitution for mental health counseling. If you are in an emergency please contact:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine
800-950-NAMI (6264)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine offers information about mental health conditions, helping family members get treatment, and referrals to support groups, psychologists, and psychiatric hospitals. Available Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. EST.