Always be the original you

Relationships are an important part of our life. How our partner, friend, boss, colleague or parents interact with us or treat us can have a huge impact on our mental health. There are some people in our life we do not choose and our bond with them depends on many factors including temperament, compatibility and communication. If you enjoy good mental health on a regular basis, it could be partly due to people who surround you, on the other hand poor mental health at times could be due to your stressful equation with a few.

Throughout your life, the number and strength of your relationships affect your mental and physical wellbeing. The benefits of social connections and good mental health are numerous. Proven links include lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships. Strong, healthy relationships can also help to strengthen your immune system, help you recover from disease, and may even lengthen your life.

The good news is that while many of these benefits can make you happier and more contented, there's also a flow-on effect, whereby people around you will want to spend time with you. In this way, social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Everyone can struggle with their emotional health. However, when left untreated, feelings like depression or anxiety can increase and disrupt your life. Mental health disorders can hurt or harm your relationships with your friends, family, or co-workers.

Mental health greatly correlates with personal feelings about oneself. Overall mental wellness plays a part in your self-esteem. Confidence can often be a good indicator of a healthy mental state.

An important part of having good mental health is building resilience. Resilient people can manage stress better. This means they are less likely to develop mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. You can learn coping skills to build resilience. This is when you can cope with unexpected changes and challenges in your life, by using your inner strength and the networks around you.

A person whose mental health is flourishing is more likely to focus on the good in themselves. They will hone in on these qualities, and will generally have ambitions that strive for a healthy, happy life.

If your mental health is in good standing, you might be more capable of providing your friends and family with quality time, affection, and support. When you're not in emotional distress, it can be easier to show up and support the people you care about.

"I am bent, but not broken. I am scarred, but not disfigured. I am sad, but not hopeless. I am tired, but not powerless. I am angry, but not bitter. I am depressed, but not giving up."