As we recover from the effects of a global pandemic and society continues to evolve thanks to innovative technology, the importance of building strong lifelong friendships has never been more important. Romantic relationships may or may not stand the test of time, but how lasting friendships can improve a person’s overall quality of life and satisfaction, as well as their mental and physical well-being. There are also studies that show that.
Essentially, friendships satisfy the need to feel supported, worthy of love, and understood while encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Because our social and support needs change over time, some friendships will evolve with us, while others will only serve us for a season. These factors play an important role in our overall well-being and health.
“Strong bonds with friends help us feel a sense of belonging and help increase and maintain self-confidence. Good friendships increase our sense of well-being and reduce stress when life gets difficult.” and help reduce feelings of loneliness,” said Katie Yesis, MS, LCPC, Community-Based Behavioral Health Manager at Trillium Place. “Being able to prioritize and maintain friendships throughout our lives helps us have a stronger foundation in ourselves and feel connected to others. Long-term friendships help us understand our history and give us It gives us a few people who not only empathize with us, but also help us when we are struggling in important areas of our lives.”
Over the course of a person’s life, it is unlikely that one person will be able to meet all of the needs for support and inclusion through offers of friendship. But data also shows that you don’t need to have dozens of friends.
“Keep in mind that quality is more important than quantity in friendships,” said Dr. J. Ronan Woodburn, a psychologist at Carl Blommen Medical Center. “While cultivating a diverse network of friends and social acquaintances may be positive, cultivating close, meaningful relationships with those who support you can lead to a greater sense of belonging and well-being. You might be able to feel it.”
As people change over the years, so do their priorities, family obligations, and beliefs. This may also impact your relationships with friends, and consider when they may continue to provide these meaningful support mechanisms, or when it’s time to focus on other people. It emphasizes the need to If your life changes or you move to a new location, you may need to make new friends. While it may seem daunting as an adult, the benefits of developing strong friendships throughout your life are clear.
When friendships are ignored, the benefits of support and community that come with the relationship can lead to isolation.
“People who suffer from isolation are likely to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and overall stress. They may also experience an increase in physical health challenges such as heart disease. There’s also gender,” Yesis said.
When we are faced with not having the friendships and relationships we need to get through life, it is sometimes left to us to make the first move. Finding group activities and community events that offer common interests is a great place to build a network of friends.
“Developing and maintaining healthy friendships requires give and take. Sometimes you are the giver of support, and other times you are the one receiving support. Telling your friends that you’re grateful helps strengthen your bond. Being a good friend is just as important as surrounding yourself with good friends,” Woodburn said.
Those who are struggling with isolation or need someone to talk to can reach out to behavioral health programs available throughout the Carle Health system. For more information, visit carle.org.
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