I believe that relationships play a vital role in all aspects of our lives, including mental health. Here, I am not simply talking about relationships we have with others around us, but also the inner relationship we have towards ourselves. 

Whilst relationships can be the source of great distress and suffering, they can also be the key to good mental health. Just think of one time when you were able to truly be yourself in someone else’s company. What was it about this relationship that made you feel safe, connected and free to express yourself without fear of judgment or other barriers? Was it their sparkling personality, their mannerism, their sense of humour, their accomplishments or their great looks? 

Sure, I don’t doubt that some of these aspects can make connecting easier. But I believe that what constitutes a ‘good’ as opposed to a ‘bad’ relationship boils down to something much more fundamental and simple. And that is the belief that the other person is genuinely interested in getting to know our point of view, what we’ve got to say, what we’re experiencing, and they don’t dismiss us even though they might not agree with us, or we might have completely misunderstood each other.

Thus by working towards greater connections, one is ultimately working towards greater mental health and freedom for ourselves; freedom that ultimately means the ability to be what you want to be.