Mental Health and Relationships
Relationships
All types of relationships, both romantic and nonromantic, make up a large part of our social support network that is important to mental health. However, some of these relationships can be harmful and it is vital to recognize the difference between a toxic relationship and a healthy one.
A healthy relationship involves a sense of trust, respect and affection between two people. It is also supportive and a source of happiness. The presence of your partner makes you feel good, and their smiles and words can brighten up even the darkest days. In addition, your partner should be able to help you cope with stress, and they can be a shoulder to lean on when you’re having a bad day.
Healthy relationships are also mutually beneficial and require a commitment to give back. They are also respectful and avoid any form of emotional abuse, such as belittling or humiliating each other. People in healthy relationships are not afraid of expressing their differences and they can disagree openly.
In addition, they have a clear understanding of what each other means when they use certain terms and they can double check that they have understood each other correctly. They are also able to discuss sensitive issues without any fear of being judged or hurt. Lastly, they are not afraid to ask for the help of a professional, whether it’s to deal with a difficult situation or to just talk about their feelings.