Building a Connection: How Relationships and Time with Friends Improves Mental Health!
I can't tell you how many conversations I have had with others, about this topic. So, in this blog post, I'd like to address a noticeable shift in young adults' social experiences, primarily online connections, alongside academic and family pressures. I've observed that this shift has contributed to concerning statistics, with about 40% of children and teens experiencing elevated rates of depression and sadness, and 20% of high school students reporting thoughts of suicide, as reported by the CDC.
The rise in these numbers is likely attributed to a combination of psychosocial and environmental factors, including increased social media usage, the onset of the pandemic, heightened school demands, and family stress. While many of these factors are beyond our control, we can influence the quality and quantity of our children's peer connections.
The Significance of Peer Connections
From an evolutionary perspective, children and teens have traditionally spent most of their free time with peers, and our mental well-being has relied on these interactions. Despite the challenges, prioritizing social time offers numerous benefits. Some parents may have concerns about their children's safety when engaging in activities with peers, but data indicates that if children know how to navigate safely, the risk of harm decreases significantly.
Conversely, some children may be drawn to technology, preferring the comforts of platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Netflix, and gaming. In such cases, it's essential for parents to set reasonable limits and ensure their children have some unstructured, face-to-face time with peers. Here are strategies to encourage these interactions:
1. Implement the One-to-One Ratio: If your child resists leaving the house, apply a one-to-one ratio—one hour with peers equals one hour of technology time.
2. Assess Your Comfort Level: If certain activities make you nervous, explore options that align with your comfort level, such as having friends over, meeting at a park or mall, or staying nearby when your children are with peers.
3. Take the Initiative: For some children, initiating these interactions can be challenging, so consider taking the first step, which may involve families spending time together initially to facilitate comfort.
4. Promote Structured Peer Time: Encourage any face-to-face interactions, as they offer unique learning and connection opportunities not found online. For older children, consider part-time jobs or involvement in school clubs and organizations. For younger children, arrange regular meetups with peers.
Children and teens require meaningful connections in their lives, and achieving this necessitates face-to-face interactions in non-school settings. Despite potential obstacles like overscheduling, excessive homework, or parental anxiety, prioritizing these connections is vital to mitigating the rates of childhood and teen depression.
Interesting studies and further research:
“People who have friends and close confidants are more satisfied with their lives and less likely to suffer from depression.” (Choi, K. W., et al., The American Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 177, No. 10, 2020).
“They’re also less likely to die from all causes, including heart problems and a range of chronic diseases.” (Holt-Lunstad, J., et al., PLOS Medicine, Vol. 7, No. 7, 2010; Steptoe, A., et al., PNAS, Vol. 110, No. 15, 2013).
“On the other hand, when people are low in social connection—because of isolation, loneliness, or poor-quality relationships—they face an increased risk of premature death,” said Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University who studies how relationships affect the body and brain.
*”Fortunately, research also suggests that friendships can be made and maintained at any age, relationships with friends can strengthen or stand in for romantic relationships, and even minimal social interactions can be powerful.
[Related: Conversations are powerful. Here are ways to embrace the awkward and deepen relationships]”
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“Mental Illness Awareness, young adults, friendships, ”
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