A Quality Relationship Halves Your Risk of Depression

Strong relationships act as a protective buffer against mental health struggles. When you feel safe, supported and valued, your brain and body is better equipped to handle stress. People with emotionally supportive partners recover from stressful life events faster and with fewer long-term psychological scars (Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2021). A toxic relationship is worse for your health than no relationship. The opposite of healthy love, a toxic relationship can double your risk of depression (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2022). This puts you in a state of chronic stress, wearing down mental resilience and driving up feelings of hopelessness. Over time, your risk of depression is dramatically increased — even more than if you were single and lonely. Strong friendships matter just as much as romance. Spanning over 85 years, the Harvard Study of Adult Development (2023), has consistently found that close relationships, whether with romantic partners, friends, or family—are the strongest predictors of long-term health. Those with strong social ties live happier, longer lives regardless of whether they have a romantic partner — overall relationship quality is the key factor.

My question for you this week is...

Who in your life benefits your mental health, and how do they do it? (Leave a comment and let me know)