Your Brain is a Muscle too, Take care of it!
The way we interact with other people is greatly affected by our mental health and vice versa. Mental health and healthy relationships are constantly influencing each other even if we are not consciously thinking about them. If one is not being cared for well then the other suffers. They are not interchangeable; however, it is difficult to have one without the other.
We were made for community. When we feel wanted, our mental health tends to improve because our longing for community is fulfilled. The first few weeks of my college experience were tough on my mental health because of being away from home for the first time, trying to make friends, and attempting to balance all the school work. I first experienced a sense of peace the the first month of my freshmen year when I joined the Good Co. team at the St. Lawrence Center because I found people that accepted me for who I am and just wanted to make me feel known, loved, and heard on a campus where those things are so hard to fulfill.
On the other hand, when our mental wellness declines, it can be easy to close off from people in our lives. We may be afraid that others might look at us differently if we express that we are struggling. However, cultivating healthy relationships with other people is the perfect instrument to improve our psychological well-being. Research confirms that friendship has many health benefits, such as increased immunity from diseases like the common cold and flu, less stress, an improved sense of self, increased happiness, and even longer life expectancy.
When we are able to cultivate healthy relationships with the people around us, we have a feeling of place in our inner circle, which is integral for our overall mental health. If you are still trying to find a community shoot us an email and you can become a part of our team! While we need a sense of belonging, we also can remember that we are not alone in the struggle to maintain a healthy mind. If you or someone you know are struggling with mental health please refer to the resources below:
Helping Someone in Emotional Pain: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/5-action-steps-for-helping-someone-in-emotional-pain/index.shtml
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Good Company is a ministry at the University of Kansas. We seek to bring authentic connection in a world of AirPods.