Healthy relationships and social connections are very beneficial to health of every human being. As far back as 1979, a study in USA revealed that the risk of death among persons with fewest social connections was more than twice as high as that, for those with most social connection.1
In terms of psychosocial explanations, social support could be said to be emotionally sustaining qualities of relationships such as sense of being loved, cared for and listened to.2 It has been well established that social support is beneficial to both mental and physical health.3,4
It is important to note that while social relationships are key sources of emotional support for most people, it can also be a worrisome source of stress for others.5 An example is seen in marriage that is a formidable source of support for many, but a source of stress to others.
Some researchers have shown that marital problems affect both mental and physical health, and that these adverse effects become more pronounced as the couples age.6 Even in situations of perfect marital harmony, caring for a sick social tie over a long period of time, could eventually result in ill-health for the caregiver.7
Generally, relationships with family, friends, co-workers, mates, peers, and community members generally can affect one’s health and wellbeing.
Benefits Of Healthy Relationships and Social Connections
In addition to healthy relationships and social connections being able to prevent serious mental and physical illnesses, it can also do the following;8,9
- Enhance one’s ability to recover from stress, depression, and anxiety
- Enhance sleep
- Prevent suicide behaviour
- Improve quality of life
- Encourage healthy lifestyle choices
- Prevent loneliness
- Increase one’s sense of belonging
- Provide support during troublesome times such as divorce, sickness, loss of job or bereavement
How to Build Healthy Relationships
You can deliberately strive to build healthy relationships, and make good connections through;10,11
- Attending social gatherings
- Joining a group or club with shared interests
- Organizing events, and inviting co-workers, neighbours, community members
- Introducing yourself to neighbours
- Reaching out to your extended family members
- Taking the initiative to reach out to anyone you consider will be an asset, as a friend. You must however also be certain that you would be considered a quality friend.
- Serving as a volunteer in some programmes and activities such as those for Church or Community
It is important to note that the quality of relationships/friends one keeps, contributes a lot more to the person’s health; than the quantity of relationships/friends he has. Deliberate efforts are needed to cultivate and maintain good relationships.
Sacrifices are needed. The benefits and comfort that come with good relationships are numerous. Good relationships support individuals through thick and thin. One in search of healthy relationships, must first ensure that he/she is of good quality. Some attributes one ought to imbibe include;10,11
- Being humble and cheerful
- Being kind and empathic
- Being honest and trustworthy
- Being a patient and good listener
- Creating time to be with a friend
- Being emotionally intelligent, and able to always be in control of your emotions
- Endeavour to always have mutually interesting conversations
Please note that rarely does one meet a quality friend online. Most people who seek friendship online frequently have other objectives outside genuine friendship. Some actually met their untimely death through online friendship.
One must be alert to toxic and potentially harmful relationships and social connections; and be able to discontinue such relationships immediately, no matter how supposedly close. Whether spouse, family, relatives, peers, etc.
IT IS EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL, TO WALK AWAY FROM TOXIC AND UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS!
REFERENCES
- Berkman, Lisa F.; Syme, Leonard. Social Networks, Host Resistance, and Mortality: A Nine-Year Follow-up Study of Alameda County Residents. American Journal of Epidemiology. 1979; 117:1003–1009
- Umberson D, Montez JK. Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy. J Health Soc Behav, 2010; 51 (Suppl): S54-S66
- Cohen S. Social Relationships and Health. American Psychologist. 2004; 59:676–84.
- Uchino BN. Social Support and Physical Health: Understanding the Health Consequences of Relationships. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press; 2004
- Walen HR.; Lachman ME. Social Support and Strain from Partner, Family, and Friends: Costs and Benefits for Men and Women in Adulthood. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. 2000; 17:5–30.
- Umberson D, Williams K, Powers DA, Liu H, Needham B. You Make Me Sick: Marital Quality and Health over the Life Course. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 2006; 47:1–16
- Christakis NA., Allison PD. Mortality after the Hospitalization of a Spouse. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2006; 354:719–30.
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm#
- https://www.hcbh.org/blog/posts/2021/january/the-importance-of-social-relationships-to-physical-and-mental-health/
- https://www.ie.edu/center-for-health-and-well-being/blog/other-people-matter-the-importance-of-strong-social-connections/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860
