Social relationships and Mental health

I’ve often heard people mentioning that a fully functioning person has good well-being in three aspects , physical, mental and physical . Some add the fourth aspect which is the spiritual facet. It is not a lie that for us to be healthy and well we need a balanced life . One has to experience a life that is fulfilling in all aspects of their life. According to WHO mental health refers to “ a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. 

Mental health encompasses emotional, social and psychological well-being. Social health is a critical determinant of good mental health. We can never undermine the role that our social life plays in our health. Both in prevention and intervention of mental health disorders, social life is very important. 

Research has proved that people who are in healthy relationships or happily married are less likely to experience depression. On the contrary, single people are more likely to be happier than people in unhappy marriages. This highlights the key role of positive relationships in prevention of depression and positive mental health outcomes. It is not only romantic relationships that impact mental health. According to research “People who are more socially connected to family, friends, or their community are happier, physically healthier, and live longer, with fewer mental health problems than people who are less well connected.” 

Positive Social connections offer positive social support which builds a sense of belonging, improves self esteem and reduces isolation and loneliness. As individuals we all have a need of belonging as illustrated by Abraham Maslow in his hierarchy of needs. When we experience a sense of belonging, receive empathy and support from others our overall well-being is improved. As we interact and embrace with others we are able to share our experiences both negative and positive and as such we reduce stress. 

A fascinating aspect on how social relationships influence mental health is their role in neuroscience. Neuroscience refers to the study of the brain, its functions and impact on behavior. Part of our nervous system involves some hormones which regulate our mood and behavior. It is interesting to learn that social relationships also determine the secretion of hormones which are related to our mood. 

Endorphins are chemicals that our bodies  produce when we experience good moments. They have been termed “nature’s morphine” due to their most common function of relieving pain. Ever heard the saying“friends are better than morphine”. This sums up the role of Endorphins in pain and mood regulation. People who have positive relationships have higher levels of Endorphins. Endorphins reduce stress levels , help us feel happy and content and promote good emotional health. Studies have also confirmed that most people with Depression seem to have a disrupted Endorphin system. This shows how important Endorphins are in preventing depression and related disorders. 

Another key hormone is Dopamine commonly known as the “feel good” hormone. Dopamine is responsible for motivation and pleasure. When we engage in activities that we interpret as pleasurable, the body rewards us with the feel good hormone. As such the interaction with friends, a good conversation, a hug or a simple day out with others is bound to increase our levels of Dopamine. The brain identifies healthy relationships, social interactions as an activity that is pleasurable. As such when we engage or experience good hm relationships our dopamine levels increase. Due to its quality of increasing motivation, Dopamine is responsible for resilience and ability to deal with stressful situations. 

The “love hormone” ; also known as Oxytocin, is an amazing agent of mental health. Oxytocin is responsible for bonding and attachment in human relationships. Oxytocin is triggered through a number of ways which include physical touch that is hugging and holding hands. When we experience social recognition our oxytocin tank is also boosted . Social recognition includes attention, receiving smiles and acknowledgment. ⁠Emotional connections also increase release of Oxytocin . When we feel accepted, appreciated and other people recognize and validate our emotions this increases the release of the love hormone.

Ever wondered why people who are in relationships often seem happy and content? This is because of the Oxytocin hormone. Intimate relationships are a significant trigger of Oxytocin . Yet the release of Oxytocin is not limited to intimate relationships but extends to family and friendships. 

The benefits of this wonder hormone are numerous including emotional regulation, stress reduction, improved relationships through fostering trust and attachments. Oxytocin also reduces pain which is a key contributor of poor  mental health. Research has also shown that Oxytocin contributes to improved memory retention and learning. 

Therapists have adopted the principle of social relationships into therapy. Social support has been proven to reduce stress and depression. It is also a key intervention when dealing with victims of drug and substance abuse, clients going through trauma among other cases. Support groups are one way in which social relationships have been incorporated into therapy. Counseling is also another way that adopts the social model in its operations as the therapist uses empathy to help the client in dealing with their issues. 

We can never undermine the role of society in our day to day living. Our overall well-being is dependent on the relationships that we foster . It is not just about relationships but more about the quality of the relationships. Johann Hari, a famous author in his book Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression and the unexpected Solutions writes ;“Human connection is the ultimate antidepressant.” And this is unarguably true.