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Mental Health Is Better With Positive Relationships

Mental Health Is Better With Positive Relationship

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on Oct 18 2022 11:06 PM
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Highlights:
  • People at the edge of a mental health crisis perceive no way out
  • Fostering more wholesome relationships in our neighborhoods and having more honest conversations about mental health can help people cope with mental health crises
When it comes to issues with mental health, including suicide, there are never any easy fixes or answers. People who consider suicide are typically at the extremely taxing and isolated edge of a mental health crisis from which they perceive no way out. Having fulfilling relationships with the people we love and respect, such as our friends and family, may help us create meaning in our lives and serve as a crucial support system. Building healthy relationships is one of the most important components of living well.
Here are some suggestions on how to support a friend or family member going through a mental health crisis and be that person in their lives who helps.


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Be Empathetic

The foundation of most human interactions is empathy. It is even more important when interacting with someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The secret to creating deep connections is to listen to others rather than merely hearing what they have to say. For instance, when conversing with someone who is through a difficult time with their mental health, you must maintain eye contact with them and be present in the conversation. Don’t interrupt them or change the subject to something silly. Try to engage them in a deeper dialogue while paying close attention to them. As a result, they may finally open up to you about their issues with mental health. It might make the person on the other side feel more seen and heard.


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Considering the Other Person’s Viewpoint

It is a straightforward yet challenging piece of advice to follow. Always keep the other person's perspective in mind. We may better understand others and create meaningful relationships when we take the time to see things from their perspective.

Everyone, including those struggling with mental health, wants to feel their experiences and ideas are acknowledged and respected. Therefore, the next time you are in a conversation, try to see things from the other person's point of view. You could be surprised by what you learn and might even be able to assist them in seeing beyond their current circumstances.


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Open communication

Speaking is one of the first things we learn in infancy and using actions and gestures to express our emotions is another. Communication is one of the most fundamental components of human life. However, as we grow older, effective communication becomes difficult, and conversations about how we feel become less common. But individuals coping with problems like depression or anxiety need these interactions more than anyone. Furthermore, there are situations when having frank and open discussions can mean the difference between life and death. So, establishing healthy and productive relationships with folks struggling with mental health requires open and honest communication.


Relationship with oneself

Although we all have relationships with others in our lives, our relationship with ourselves is the most important one. One of the most important things we can do for our mental health is to develop our sense of self-worth and self-esteem.

The most crucial thing we can do for our mental health is to have a positive relationship with ourselves. To achieve this, we must be kind and forgiving, accept our shortcomings and work on accepting our bodies and minds.

Ask for Assistance

Living under a lot of pressure is difficult. We could experience moments when we feel everything is going wrong. Self-harming thoughts might readily arise because of such emotions. It's crucial to realize that there is a way out of this vicious cycle, and experienced experts like therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists can be very helpful.

Therapists assist those going through mental health crises through years of training and study. For instance, someone going through a long-term relationship split or a student who failed an exam may perceive their failures as obstacles they cannot overcome. A qualified psychologist, however, can assist individuals in realizing that setbacks in tests, employment, or relationships are not irreversible. So, the most crucial weapon in the struggle against suicide and mental health issues is perhaps seeking treatment.

Role of Society in Raising Mental Health Awareness

The society also contributes significantly to raising mental health awareness. People can contribute to lowering the stigma attached to discussing mental health openly by participating in public awareness campaigns like street dramas like the one Whistling Woods International recently staged at Churchgate station on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Thus, the most crucial elements that can help prevent suicide are healthy interpersonal interactions and living in a society that understands mental health difficulties.

Don't be reluctant to ask for assistance if you believe someone you know may be in need. Together, we can reduce the number of suicides by cultivating more wholesome relationships in our neighborhoods and having more honest conversations about mental health. You can get in touch with the suicide prevention helpline for expert support.

Source-Medindia


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