Since the dawn of time, we humans have been social creatures. We thrive when surrounded by others who care about us and who cheer for our accomplishments. An environment where we feel supported, trusted, and appreciated boosts our self-esteem and confidence, key factors for personal and professional success.
No, social health doesn’t refer to how many followers you have on social media. But rather, it’s about the interactions you have with the individuals that make up your social circle that make the difference. Friends, teams, co-workers, tribes, student bodies – social groups of all kinds form your social circle and your interactions with them impact your social health.
As with other valuable resources, we protect the relationships we value. We make sacrifices, devote time, and invest to ensure the longevity and productivity of our relationships. As the individuals in these relationships learn and grow, the relationships themselves must also adapt and change. That’s why we’re rarely still friends with our “best friend” from kindergarten, though long-term relationships are wisely valued and cherished.
As individuals, our needs and expectations of a support system change over time, as does our understanding of support and what constitutes a solid social network. And with the increasing speed of information access, these changes happen faster and faster. So, how do we maintain good social health in such an ever-changing and fast-paced environment?
We educate ourselves on healthy relationships – what they look like and how to maintain them. We investigate good communication, conflict resolution, and boundary setting so that we can have the most positive relationships possible. We research, then put to work the tools and techniques we learn.
A Change For Better is the perfect place to start. We understand how important social health is to overall wellness, and we’ve compiled this tremendous Resource Directory to help you in the search for your best health. Enjoy these podcasts, videos, articles, courses, and more as you navigate the sometimes choppy waters of society, knowing that educating yourself will only serve you in your mental health journey!