Humans are naturally social creatures, with many of our lives influenced by the relationships we have with others. Social health is our ability to form these relationships and manage them through healthy communication.
When struggling with mental health problems or emotional difficulties, symptoms often get externalized and affect areas of our social health (relationships, communication, performance at work or school).
If you find yourself more isolated than usual, struggling to communicate or maintain relationships with others— it’s important to recognize the connection between how your mental health may be affecting your social life.
What is Social Health?
Social health is a key component of mental and emotional health. Social health is the ability to form connections, build healthy relationships, communicate effectively, and contribute to your community. It provides people with a sense of belonging, purpose, and boosts mental health. Having good social health allows one to navigate relationship difficulties, approach challenges with more confidence, and resolve conflicts.
Some signs someone is socially healthy include:
- Having meaningful relationships
- Effective communication
- Healthy boundaries
- Good work-life balance
- Able to reach out for help if needed
- Feel a sense of belonging
- You participate in the community (join events, are involved in a weekly activity, etc)
- Feel confident being yourself
- You stay physically and socially active
How Does Mental Health Affect Social Health?
There is a direct link between mental and social health that affects each other. This relationship is “bidirectional”, meaning if one is in a poor state it can affect the other. Someone struggling with mental or emotional problems may struggle in their social life, while someone who is socially isolated, may develop mental health problems.
Mental health problems such as depression or anxiety can cause a lack of motivation and social isolation. Patients diagnosed with these disorders may lack the energy to form new connections or maintain their current relationships. Anxiety can make it difficult to initiate conversations, or they may feel overwhelmed in social settings.
Mental health disorders can also reduce healthy communication skills. Someone with anxiety may have low-self esteem, and struggle to communicate their boundaries or honest opinion around a topic. Certain personality disorders or neurodevelopmental problems such as Autism can make it difficult to express one’s authentic self in a conversation. This may include a lack of facial expressions, stumbling or stuttering around words, or avoiding eye contact.
Emotional issues can also lead to heightened conflict in one’s social life. Patients who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to trust others, which can decrease the quality of their relationships. If someone is prone to aggression or anger, this can cause conflict if one is not taught how to regulate their emotions properly.
Effects of Poor Social Health
The effects of poor social health and isolation can exacerbate existing mental health conditions, or bring underlying mental health problems to the surface.
Social support is essential to healthy emotional development, especially in teens and young adults who are exploring their place in the world. The effects of poor social health can wreak havoc on other areas of our lives and lead to:
- Isolation
- Hopelessness
- Low motivation
- Depression
- Chronic health problems
- Decrease in work or academic performance
- Mental health disorders
- Substance abuse
How to Improve Mental Health
Building a routine to improve your mental health is not only essential for someone struggling with a mental health disorder but also recommended for everyone to boost emotional wellness. Improving your mental health will naturally support social health, the quality of your relationships, reduce stress, prevent chronic health problems, and improve your overall quality of life. Some strategies to improve your mental health include:
- Stay connected to friends and family
- Get daily movement/exercise
- Prioritize sleep & rest
- Eat a balanced diet and drink enough water for hydration
- Practice mindfulness (journaling, yoga, meditation)
- Daily gratitude practice
- Consider joining a support group for mental health
- Reach out for professional mental health support
How to Improve Social Health
Improving your social health will have a natural ripple effect that positively impacts your mental health & emotional well-being. Some strategies to improve your social health may include:
- Build your inner circle by connecting with loved ones and reaching out for help when you need it.
- Find an activity or hobby to get involved in
- Focus on building your self-esteem and practice compassion with yourself.
- Improve your communication skills with therapy, or free online workshops.
Mental Health Wellness in Utah
Maple Mountain is a mental health treatment facility that helps patients move forward on their mental wellness journey. Our compassionate team understands the challenge of how poor emotional health can affect your social life.
We provide evidence-based therapies, medication management, and holistic treatments to support healing the mind, body, and spirit. Speak with one of our team members today to find out more about how our personalized treatment plans can help.
Sources
Wickramaratne PJ. Social connectedness as a determinant of mental health: A scoping review.
Montez JK. Social relationships and health: a flashpoint for health policy.
Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. CDC.
The Neuroscience of Gratitude. University of Pennsylvania.
