Hey there, lovely readers!
Navigating friendships can be challenging under any circumstances, but when you add anxiety or depression into the mix, it can feel super daunting. If you're struggling with these mental health conditions, know that you’re not alone, and there are ways to maintain and even strengthen your friendships. Let’s dive into six key topics that can help you manage these relationships with warmth and understanding.
1. Communicate Openly and Honestly
Honesty truly is the best policy, especially when it comes to mental health. It might feel scary to open up about your struggles, but sharing your experiences with trusted friends can foster deeper connections and understanding. You don’t need to share every detail, but letting your friends know that you’re dealing with anxiety or depression can help them understand your behavior and offer helpful support.
Pro Tip: Try starting the conversation with something like, “I’ve been having a tough time with anxiety/depression lately, and I wanted to let you know. It might affect how I interact sometimes, but it’s not because I don’t value our friendship.”
2. Set Boundaries and Respect Them
Knowing and setting your boundaries is crucial. This might mean declining invitations when you’re not feeling up to socializing or explaining that certain topics are off-limits. True friends will respect your boundaries and appreciate your honesty.
Pro Tip: Practice saying, “I appreciate the invite, but I need some time to recharge. Can we plan something for another day?” This helps maintain the friendship without overextending yourself.
3. Practice Self-Care and Self-Compassion
Taking care of yourself is ESSENTIAL. When you’re dealing with anxiety or depression, self-care can sometimes feel like a chore, but it’s crucial for your well-being. Engage in activities that bring you opportunities for joy, whether it’s a quiet night in with a good book, a walk in nature, or a creative hobby.
Pro Tip: Make a self-care list and share it with your friends. This not only helps you stay on track but also lets your friends know how they can support you.
4. Lean on Your Support System
Your friends are part of your support system, but they don’t have to be the only ones. Don’t hesitate to seek help from therapists, support groups, or online communities. Sometimes, talking to someone who understands what you’re going through on a professional level can be incredibly beneficial.
Pro Tip: Let your friends know that you’re seeking professional help. It can alleviate some of the pressure on them and reassure them that you’re taking steps to manage your mental health. Remember seeking support from a mental health professional is always a step of strength and courage.
5. Stay Connected in Small Ways
When depression or anxiety makes socializing difficult, staying connected through small gestures can help maintain your friendships. A quick text, a funny meme, or a short phone call can go a long way in keeping your relationships strong without overwhelming you.
Pro Tip: Create a “low-energy” list of ways to stay in touch, such as sending a postcard, sharing a playlist, or having a brief video chat. These small acts can mean a lot.
6. Celebrate the Wins, No Matter How Small
Dealing with mental health challenges can make it hard to see the positives, but celebrating your successes, no matter how small you think it is, is vital. Whether it’s getting out of bed, going for a walk, or spending time with a friend, acknowledge and celebrate these victories. The task isn’t the thing that defines something as worthy of celebration, instead it is the energy it takes for you to accomplish it. So the more energy you put into something, no matter what it is, the more deserving it is of celebrating.
Pro Tip: Share your wins with your friends. It can help them understand your journey and provide opportunities for them to cheer you on.
Final Thoughts
Navigating friendships while dealing with anxiety or depression isn’t easy, but with honest communication, self-care, and small steps, it’s entirely possible to maintain and even deepen these relationships. Remember, your friends care about you and want to support you. Don’t be afraid to lean on them and take things one step at a time. You wouldn’t consider them a burden if they came to you with a struggle, so why would they think of you as one?
Here’s to stronger friendships and better mental health!
Warmly,
Julia