Human beings are social beings. One of the general principles of co-habitation and community living is that humans cannot live in isolation. Over millions of years, humans have evolved as dependent creatures – every individual is dependent on another for procreation, livelihood and even happiness.
We cannot sustain our life in seclusion. As such, human beings thrive on family ties, kinship, and social connection with others. Social connections or interactions is crucial for the mental health and well-being of an individual.
People who develop and maintain strong social connections tend to be happier and enjoy greater stability in their lives as they draw strength from their connections in times of crisis and celebrate together in times of joy.
Several research studies have confirmed that social relationships are vital for identity formation, especially the connection between mother and child as it has deep-seated emotional roots and shapes the child’s emotional world in profound ways. Similarly, the importance of maintaining good ties with siblings cannot be undervalued.
It has been found that a good relationship with siblings can positively impact on your life in diverse ways, from enhancing the academic performance to better stress management and adjustment/coping with adverse circumstances to indulgence in healthy competition. In a research study that was conducted on the elderly population in Sweden, a substantial number of people said that having a close relationship with their siblings gives them greater joy and feeling of satisfaction.
Friendships also add to the fulfilment and happiness of your life. Indulging in exchange of affection, trust, cooperation, and support with another individual infuses one with a positive outlook on life and a greater belief in a well-balanced future.
The negative outcomes of not having a healthy, fulfilling social bonds or being engaged in a positive relationship can emotionally and physically have an impact on individuals as they often face the challenges of life without any external support from family and friends.
Individual “who don’t belong” also exhibit poor stress management coping skills and maybe are haunted by a feeling of constant loneliness and a need to belong and beloved which if not satisfied could evolve in these needs being provided by joining a “gang” and/or commit crimes against individuals and the vandalism-destruction of property.
By having no social bonds, can also cause emotional trauma as individuals can find it hard to trust other people or talk about their emotional state, and this reflects in potential having a poor relationship with their spouse and children, family, friends, associates and work colleagues.
Ultimately over time and if not being able to integrate within communities or establish social relationships will make it increasingly difficult for individuals to spend quality time with anyone.
The piling up of constant stress with unpleasant feelings about their self-worth and the world at large also can lead to problems related to their states of mental health, such as suffering from chronic depression and possibly having suicidal thoughts. Poor mental health can also contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Relationship Counselling Melbourne
Not having or being able to establish a stable relationship or social bond can become an entrenched cycle of personal unhappiness, which Counselling in Melbourne strongly recommends not to let happen.
If you believe you might be suffering from a psychological mental health concern caused by being disenfranchised from one’s community and not having meaningful long-lasting relationships… Or even if you’re constantly struggling with any sort of relationship, which seems to be always in a state of constant conflict, relationship counselling services should be considered.
Relationship Counselling in Melbourne psychologists will work with you by striving to break down barriers to identify core issues you’re experiencing with any aspect of your relationships be it a marriage, couples, work, family or friend relationship issue. The process of ‘discovery’ allows the relationship counsellor to better understand the “why” and together will provide you with different approaches or strategies to achieve long-lasting outcomes of healing and reconnecting with the social bonds you may be seeking.
