Find out how friendship affects mental health

Find out how friendship affects mental health


Having those who share life can reduce stress, anxiety and even depressive symptoms

July 20 is the international friendship day, a date that strengthens the importance of cultivating true ties beyond social networks. The psychologist Jessica de Souza Pinheiro, a specialist in changing habits and psychopathology, explains that friends act as an essential protective factor for emotional well -being.




“Friendships act as an emotional support network that cross important phases of life: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. joyThe difficulties and even the silence of a difficult moment can reduce stress, anxiety and even the depressive symptoms, “he says. According to her, healthy friendships favor the feeling of belonging, self -esteem and car -cura.

Friendships influence adulthood

In adulthood, however, doing and keeping friends becomes a challenge. “The priorities change: work, motherhood/paternity, emotional relationships and demanding routines reduce the time available to cultivate ties. Furthermore, many adults feel insecure to open and trust new people”, explains the psychologist. This difficulty can generate a sense of solitude, even in the middle of other people, feed feelings As sadness, apathy and low self -esteem.



Deep and reliable ties have a significant impact on emotional health

The quality of friendship is important

For those who worry about the quantity of friends, Jessica de Souza Pinheiro stresses that quality is what really matters. “Having one or two people you can really count on, opening without fear of judgment and real support, it is already extremely precious. The deep and reliable ties have a more significant impact on emotional health than super -number surface relationships,” he says.

Risks of toxic friendships

But not all friendships are good. The psychologist warns that toxic friendships are those that generate most well -being of well -being. “It can involve manipulation, veiled competition, accusations Excessive and frequent criticism masked by “sincerity” or absence of support when you need it. If, after contacting the person, you feel exhausted, guilty or frequently decreased, it is a warning sign, “he explains.

Keep friendships in the digital era

In the digital era, in which many obligations remain virtually, Jessica de Souza Pinheiro Guida: “Despite the practicality of social networks, it is important to go beyond the similar and sporadic messages. Show genuine interest, send a message that asks how the person is, proposing the face to do when possible and keeping active listening in which they are forms of active listening strengthen The ties. Friendship must be nourished with presence, even digital and with true affection. “

By Sarah Monteiro

Source: Terra

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