Relationships and mental health

Strong relationships don’t just make life happier – they lift mood, lower stress, boost immunity, and can increase your chances of living longer. Whatever kind of relationship we’re talking about – romantic, family, friendships, work colleagues, or any other human bond – supportive relationships help you feel connected, valued and safe.

Strong relationships also build strong communities. When people feel connected, communities become safer, healthier and better able to face challenges together.

Some people face extra barriers to feeling connected. Factors such as stigma, discrimination and stress can deepen feelings of loneliness, particularly among young people, LGBTIQ+ communities, First Nations peoples and people under financial pressure.

Many people turn to someone they trust before they contact a service or health professional.

When someone close notices change, checks in or encourages you to seek support, getting help can feel less overwhelming. In this way, your relationships often act as your first support system. 

Healthy relationships are built on respect, trust, communication and boundaries.

They help you feel stronger and more grounded, not smaller or more stressed. 

Do relationships need to be perfect to be healthy?

Healthy relationships aren’t flawless. What matters most is steady, kind and consistent connection – small moments of care, shared understanding and knowing you’re not facing things alone.

Living with a mental health condition can also make relationships feel harder. Many people face relationship strain or breakdowns, which can make recovery harder.

Healthy relationships experience conflict but repair well afterwards. These everyday interactions strengthen both the relationship and mental health over time.

Relationships aren’t fixed, and neither are we. Healthy relationships grow over time. They’re not something you’re expected to “just know” how to do. Strong relationships are built through many small moments of care, honest conversations and a willingness to understand each other.

There are also many options for support if your relationship is struggling. Things like mindfulness practice and couples support can help you find new ways to communicate and understand each other.

You don’t have to tackle everything at once. Even one small change can help your relationships grow in a healthier direction.

There are some skills that anyone can learn, that can make your relationships stronger, safer and more supportive.

Building new relationships and strengthening existing ones

It might sound obvious, but you strengthen your relationships and build new ones by regularly taking small steps to connect.

Giving yourself chances to meet people, stay in touch, share experiences, have meaningful conversations and support one another can make a real difference to how you feel.

If you’ve got some ideas about making and strengthening connections, it can still be nerve-racking putting them into practice.

If you’re feeling self-conscious, one of the biggest things to remember is to focus less on yourself and more on the other person. Shifting your attention to them can ease the pressure and help the conversation flow more naturally.

Remember – do what feels manageable for you

Building your social supports should ease your stress, not add to it. You don’t need to overhaul your whole social life. Small, steady steps count. Do what feels manageable for you and try to spend more time with people who lift your energy.