Let's Talk About Relationships

This years theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is relationships. Healthy, supportive and overall good relationships are important as they are a big contribution to good mental health and well being.

Having someone you can talk to about whatever you are going through and is on your mind is a major key, but sometimes we do feel like there's no one out there who will understand us, or we're afraid of what someone might think and so on. The truth is, though, that we are never alone and there will always be someone who understands more than you think if you are just willing to explain.

In the past year or so, I have learnt that surrounding yourself with people who encourage and support you rather than being super negative and trying to bring you down is the key to a good relationship, which has resulted in me feeling a lot better about myself and the things I'm dealing with. Their happiness radiates to you, and not only that but you all learn how to support each other through everything and be there for one another. If a relationship is making you feel awful, it is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. If you recognise that you are unhappy in these environments, this can help you move forward and find a solution. Remember it's more than okay to put yourself first and take yourself out of a negative environment.

I have an incredible small group of friends who are always there for me despite my bad days and previous even worse days, they're supportive of my goals and things I'm dealing with and I appreciate it immensely.

Set yourself 3 resolutions to help improve your relationship with either your family or guardians, friends, teachers, colleagues, boyfriend/girlfriend and so on. They don't have to be big resolutions that you're worried you won't keep, start off small and see where it gets you!

For example, here's mine:

• Listen to others 
• Be honest about how I feel
• Spend more time with close family and friends