Why Reaching Out to Others Is Important for Your Mental Health

A new study explored how emotional support during difficult situations can be a boon to our own well-being.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Reaching Out to Others Is Important to Mental Health   A handful of different coping techniques are available to us as we work through difficult situations. The method of reaching out to a trusted loved one for support is certainly one way, and a new study published in Affective Science has explored how this emotional support can be a boon to our own well-being.   The study examined 87 adults over two weeks, asking them to self-report their interpersonal emotional regulation (IER) via surveys. Almost every participant noted that they shared at least one negative experience with another person over that time period, with an average of once every two days.   In the majority of these interactions, people wanted a listening ear more than a specific solution. The takeaway from the study is that reaching out to others can be a boon to our ability to regulate our own emotions. Even though we may feel vulnerable when sharing these moments, leaning on others in times of need can be a sign of strength.     We all have the capacity to fix our emotional dilemmas, and just need validation of our feelings and permission to feel."  — RENETTA WEAVER, LCSW-C What This Means For You As you work through complicated situations or even painful moments, sharing your experience with others can help you regulate your emotions and improve your mental health. When going to another, make sure that they are available to hear you, and explain what you'd like to gain out of the interaction, such as perspective, a listening ear, or help finding a solution.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us Penned by Michele Sammons, "The Little Book of Big Knowing" is full of gentle reminders of your self, your worth, and your ambitions. The pages contain short bursts that allow you to pick up the book, read any page, and receive some quick inspiration. Products to Help You Feel Your Best Deliver some extra love and positivity into your friend group with Kindness Cards. Each features encouraging words and phrases along with vibrant color palettes, fun geometric patterns, and playful imagery—the perfect way to spread good energy. For a new kind of card game—one that brings you closer to others—try Actually Curious. Created around the science and psychology of emotional connection, it helps you and other players feel seen and heard. For a little extra help learning how to improve your relationships, try reading one of these top 10 relationship books. Read These Next 11 Ways to Practice Compassion for Others READ NOW What to Do If You or a Loved One Lack Empathy READ NOW How to Improve Your Relationships READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy