A strong social network can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression

Research has revealed the power of a strong social circle

Research has recently revealed that seeking help can actually have a positive impact on your health.

Having a strong social network is found to be “more resilient to symptoms of anxiety and depression”, according to a study from Indiana University. 

This research was found particularly among young people whose lives were disrupted by COVID-19:

“Researchers found that those who had more intimate and interconnected social networks did not experience the same increases in depression and anxiety as those with weaker networks.”

How a sense of community can positively affect your mental health.

The team stressed the importance of speaking with one another, asking for help, and building relationships.

Not only does having this community impact your mental health, but social networks can positively affect your physical health.

Razia Sahi's study found that “consoling touch” can reduce the feeling of physical pain. 

When participants looked back on emotional memories, they experienced less emotional pain when paired with physical touch.

According to Sahi:

“As social creatures, our relationships with other people have tremendous downstream impacts on health and wellbeing.”

“This is in part because social interactions dramatically shape how we think and feel, influencing how we process and regulate our emotions through life’s challenges.”

Never shy away from reaching out to people for support and help, especially if you're struggling mentally. After all, your social circle is there to support you through both the happy and bad times.