Impact of Friend Groups on Mental Health

After the first 6 developmental years of our life, our primary influential people in life branch out from family to friends, social groups, and continue to social media and colleagues later on in life. These factors become the most impactful and dictate every choice we make, whether it’s buying a new shoe or choosing our life path.

When decisions are boiled down to their essence they are of only two types, good and bad and it so happens to be the same for influence. We have cases of students forced into lives or crime, drug abuse, alcoholism, unstable professions simply because in their fragile childish minds they had been pushed to having cigarettes and drinking underage at various parties.

On the brighter side of things, we see children who are encouraged by their peers into pursuing higher ambitions, applying to better colleges and striving for the highest grades. In this kind of environment, a child usually reaches their highest potential and stable life course due to the smart choices made and enforced by their peers.

Friend groups can decide the current state of a teenager’s mental health, from the people within the group to the amount of quarrelling and negativity in it. That is why it is important to remember that though we cannot change your friends we could always change the people who are your friends.

While it may seem a little difficult to judge the ingenuity of a friendship, there are a few signs which remain constant. Healthy friendships are characterised by trust and mutual respect. Friends in such relationships communicate openly, sharing their thoughts and feelings honestly while offering support unconditionally. They honour each other's boundaries, never imposing or pressuring one another into uncomfortable situations.

Moreover, healthy friendships exhibit reciprocity and fairness. Both parties contribute equally to the relationship, taking turns to lend a helping hand, express gratitude, and celebrate achievements together. They enjoy each other's company, provide encouragement during challenges, and foster an environment where both individuals can grow and thrive. These qualities cultivate a deep, meaningful connection that withstands the tests of time.

As important as it is to seek meaningful and trustworthy friends, it is equally necessary for us to be such a friend ourself. Sometimes we get so absorbed in worrying about our life that we fail to recognise the emotional and mental problems that our friends might be facing. When reaching out to a friend facing mental health issues, it's important to approach them with compassion and sensitivity.

Start by expressing your concern in a non-judgmental way, letting them know that you are there to listen and support them. Offer practical help, such as accompanying them to therapy sessions or doctor appointments if they feel comfortable. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and validate their emotions without trying to provide solutions. Let them know that it's okay to not be okay and reassure them that they are not alone in their struggles. Stay in touch regularly, checking in on how they are doing and reminding them of your friendship's strength and support.

Friendships are those relationships that we get to choose for ourselves and hence this choice should not be swayed by social pressure to fit in or any other external factors. Our friends should be our safe, non-judgemental zone, our shield and our peace and when need be we should support them in the same way, thus helping each other cope with the challenges life throws our way.

-Aanya Bhaduri and Kyra Grewal