Let’s connect: How positive relationships can help improve your mental health
We all have mental health. There are times when it may be good and stable, but it’s important that we try to recognise when our mental health and emotional wellbeing are deteriorating.
Everyday life can be really difficult sometimes. For example, situations such as school stresses and conflict with parents can affect our mental health. If you feel like you’re struggling, you definitely aren’t alone.
For Children’s Mental Health Week 2023, we are focussing on the impact of positive social relationships upon our emotional wellbeing and mental health.
How can I tell if my mental health is getting worse?
The truth is that experiencing emotions - even the “bad” ones – is very normal. Our emotional responses to situations help us to better understand how we are feeling and why, which is important if we are to move forward
Our emotions become a problem if they become persistent, more intense, or start to affect our daily lives. Here are some key signs that your mental health may be getting worse:
You feel sad, hopeless and see no meaning in anything
You’re losing interest in things you normally enjoy
Everything feels overwhelming
You’re tired all the time
Nothing feels exciting any more
You go to sleep really late, or sleep in all morning
You don’t want to socialise with family and friends
You feel lonely and isolated
What can I do to improve my mental health?
Here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Go to bed at a reasonable time (depending on your age) and don’t use phones or tablets when you’re trying to get to sleep
Try to take care of yourself - for example get up, showered, and dressed every morning, even if you haven’t slept well
Eat healthily - food provides fuel for your physical and mental health
Try to spend more time outside, do some gentle exercise
Do something you enjoy, such as a hobby
Can positive relationships help my mental health?
Developing and maintaining relationships is really important for our emotional wellbeing. By this we mean face to face relationships, for example with peers at school, or with your parents. These relationships can help us to feel grounded and connected, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Modern life is full of ways to connect digitally - think social media, chatrooms, and online games. But these connections aren’t always healthy. Remember, getting 10,000 likes on a Tik Tok video feels great but it's not meaningful! A meaningful connection is a two-way thing, where two (or more) people find support, enjoyment, companionship, and a sense of being valued. When we connect with people online we have to remember we don’t always know the person behind the chat. So, who could you reach out to?
A close friend
Your parents
Siblings, cousins and other family members
People you know from groups and clubs
We know that it can be really nerve-wracking saying to someone “I need support” or “I could do with some help”. It can feel like a big step and that we are admitting something is wrong. But remember there are times when we all need someone. That is ok, it’s not something you should feel embarrassed about. Whether you have a chat and a drink over a video call, meet up outside, or plan a trip together, both of you may get something from that experience and relationship.
How can I get more support for my mental health?
If you feel you need more support, talking to a counsellor could help. Open Door Counselling is based in Birmingham, and we specialise in supporting children and young people. Our affordable counselling services are available in-person, online, or over the phone.
To book an appointment you can phone us on 0121 454 1116, get in touch by email or fill out our referral form online if you prefer.
Also keep an eye on our website and social media in the coming weeks and months as we are launching a time-limited free counselling services to some children and young people.
Carmel Mullan-Hartley is Chief Executive of Open Door Counselling