In today’s day and age, every month, week, and day of the year has a special delegation. The month of September is dedicated to bringing awareness to the importance of friendship in women as well as awareness and support for people struggling with or recovering from mental health disorders and for families and friends affected by suicide of a loved one. We thought this was the perfect time to take a look at how women’s friendships impact their mental health and vice versa.

 

Several studies have been performed on the links between friendship and mental health including the effects of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression and even autism can have on friendships. Whatever the center of these studies, all researchers agreed that positive friendships have an equally positive effect on mental health. This is why identifying and eliminating toxic friendships from your life is vital to your wellness.

 

But what happens when you feel that your anxiety and/or depression has caused you to be the negative energy in your friendships? Many women who suffer from anxiety or depression have a tough time maintaining friendships though they value quality friendships as much as any neurotypical woman. This is due in part to insecurity felt as a result of anxiety and depression disorders. Feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and fear of losing close friendships often plaque women with mental health disorders though there is no cause for these emotions in the relationship.

 

Despite the fear that you may be the toxic one in your friendships due to a mental health disorder, having friends you can be yourself around and receive support from is essential to promoting stability and better mental health. The truth is, your friends love you and want you to be happy and also honest about a problem. Telling your friends about your mental health struggles is key to helping them understand any negative behavior you may have displayed or inner struggles that you’ve had regarding your relationships.

 

Still, talking with your friends about your anxiety isn’t the only step you should take. Seeking therapy from a mental health professional is the best way to properly treat and learn to deal with your disorder. A mental health therapist can also help you learn how to have healthy relationships with everyone in your life and, in turn, help you become a better friend to others and build stronger, healthier relationships.

 

If you are struggling with feelings of insecurity in your relationships that you feel could be due to anxiety or depression, reaching out to your medical provider is the first step to improvement. Don’t continue to struggle when help is just a call away. Contact EliteCare today to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our healthcare providers.