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Make time for family and friends

Good relationships are important for your mental health. It's worth putting effort into your friendships or making new friends. Friends help you to cope with the problems that life throws at you.

Healthy relationships can make life more enjoyable. Sharing things with trusted friends and family will go a long way. They can keep us grounded and help us put things into perspective when we are struggling to do so ourselves.

Tips for staying in touch

You might not have family or friends living nearby or you may have lost touch over the years. This can sometimes be a source of distress.

Do not be afraid to get in touch, even if it has been a long time.

Take the first step

Consider making contact with friends or family. People seem to really benefit from taking time to connect with family, friends, and colleagues.

It is important to nurture our relationships with family and friends, to invest our time and find space in busy schedules for people that we care about.

Arrange a day out

Make an effort to contact friends you may not have connected with recently. It can help to suggest a few dates and make a plan.

Exercise with others

Having a partner to exercise with is a great way to motivate yourself to get more physical activity. You can improve your physical and mental health and catch up at the same time.

Physical and your mental health

Reduce your screen time

Avoid using electronic devices when you are in company. Put your phone away, close your laptop, turn off the television and have a chat.

Join with others

Take any opportunities to make new connections and get to know the people who live near to you.

Activities with other people to improve your mental health

Get help in managing difficult relationships

You are not alone if you struggle to manage friendships, or if family relationships have been a major source of distress. This is one of the main reasons people seek support in talking therapies.

Find out more about talking therapies

Further support

Alone.ie provides support for older people who may be living alone and feeling isolated.

Single parents can get support from Parentline.ie and Gov.ie.

Page last reviewed: 1 September 2022
Next review due: 1 September 2025