{"id":291,"date":"2021-12-16T21:12:58","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T21:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/?page_id=291"},"modified":"2025-07-07T13:50:22","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T13:50:22","slug":"social-relationships","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/uk\/social-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2688,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"resource.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-291","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"wellness_subheading":"Risk resources","wellness_heading":"Social Relationships","wellness_content":"\u201cHuman connection is both the purpose and the result of a meaningful life.\u201d \u2013 Melinda Gates<\/i>","wellness_video_quote":"","wellness_video_or_image":"video","wellness_youtube_or_vimeo":"vimeo","wellness_vimeo_id":"540194798","image":null,"flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text_and_media","background_colour":"","container_width":"standard","columns":"half","text_side":"left","image_or_video":"image","youtube_or_vimeo":"","image":1586,"youtube_id":"","vimeo_id":"","heading":"What are Social Relationships?","text":"People are social beings. We desire to be close to others, to connect and to form strong and enduring bonds. These can be with our friends, family, neighbours, partners, colleagues, team mates \u2013 anyone, really. As we get older, maintaining social connections becomes more difficult and takes more effort. We get busy, life gets in the way and before we know it we\u2019ve fallen out of touch with people.\r\n\r\nImproving our relationships is important as having positive Social Relationships is one of the most consistent factors in living a happy life. Connecting with others is essential to our mental wellbeing and has even been linked to various physical health benefits.\r\n\r\nThis module will guide you through various strategies designed to help you improve your social connections. Alongside explanations, you will be given practical tools you can use to foster positive Social Relationships, combat loneliness and live a happier life.","buttons":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"multi_coloured_tabs","optimal":{"heading":"Understanding your Social Relationships score","text":"An optimal score suggests that you are very socially connected and able to fit in with a group. You are likely to seek out opportunities to meet new people and experience no significant distress in doing so. You may want to explore this module in order to maintain good functioning."},"satisfactory":{"heading":"Understanding your Social Relationships score","text":"A satisfactory score suggests that you are fairly socially connected and able to fit in. You may experience some mild distress in group situations or when meeting new people but are mostly able to overcome this. You are not necessarily excelling in your social life but are functioning well enough. You may want to explore this module to work on those aspects where you are struggling."},"some_concern":{"heading":"Understanding your Social Relationships score","text":"A some concern score suggests that you have some social connections but tend to experience distress in group situations or when meeting new people. You may experience feelings of exclusion and\/or being ignored by others. We recommend exploring this module in order to work on those aspects where you are struggling."},"high_concern":{"heading":"Understanding your Social Relationships score","text":"A high concern score suggests that you have very few social connections and that you experience frequent and significant distress in group situations and when meeting new people. You constantly feel as if you are being excluded and that you don\u2019t fit in. We recommend exploring this module in order to work on those aspects where you are struggling and to seek help from your GP\/listed helplines if needed."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_body","anchor":"","background_colour":"brand","width":"2\/3","content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"rich_text","rich_text":"Please note that everyone differs<\/strong> in terms of their sociability. Many people choose not to interact with others and are comfortable with their choice. For others, a lack of social connection may be due to personal difficulties such as depression, anxiety or trauma; or behaviours that are causing problems with communication e.g. shyness.\r\n\r\nIt is important that you understand for yourself whether or not you are happy with your social life. <\/strong>For this reason it is important that you look at your overall report. <\/strong>If Social Relationships is the only indicator in the concern range<\/strong>, you might not experience significant distress. However, if there are other indicators that are flagged as a concern<\/strong>, your perceived lack of social connectedness could be contributing to any distress."}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"grid","heading":"Why working on your Social Relationships is important","subheading":"Positive Social Relationships have been linked to the following:","background_colour":"","download":"","columns":"2","carousel":false,"grid_items":[{"image":"","heading":"Reduced stress","text":"The social and emotional support from a partner can serve as a significant protection from stress. Being in a close relationship has been associated with less production of cortisol, a stress hormone.","link":"","button_style":"black"},{"image":"","heading":"Healthier lifestyle","text":"It is much easier to stick to healthy habits if others around you do the same. Our social connections can for example encourage us to exercise, eat a healthy diet and drink or smoke less.","link":"","button_style":"black"},{"image":"","heading":"Longer life","text":"Research suggests that greater involvement in social connections has a big impact on your lifespan. This might occur through the before-mentioned mechanisms, i.e. less stress, healthier behaviours and better coping.","link":"","button_style":"black"},{"image":"","heading":"Greater sense of purpose","text":"As humans we have the desire to feel connected and to be a part of something \u2018bigger\u2019. Social connections provide us with such feelings of \u2018belonging\u2019 and greater purpose.","link":"","button_style":"black"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"text_and_media","background_colour":"","container_width":"medium","columns":"third","text_side":"right","image_or_video":"image","youtube_or_vimeo":"","image":1588,"youtube_id":"","vimeo_id":"","heading":"What to do when you are feeling socially excluded","text":"If your MyMynd assessment score for the Social Relationships indicator was in the some concern or high concern range, you may frequently perceive yourself to be isolated, excluded or ignored. If this is the case, you might want to read more about these feelings and how to tackle them below. \r\n\r\nMany of us can recall occasions where we have felt left out; like we have deliberately been excluded or not invited to something. For example, work colleagues going to lunch without us. Feeling left out can hurt and it makes us question the reasons why someone else would make us feel this way:\r\n\r\n- Are we not good company?\r\n- Have we said or done something wrong?\r\n- Do they not want to be our friend?","buttons":null},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","heading":"","text":"Over time you may find yourself dwelling on these questions, leaving you feeling sad, angry and\/or confused. Fortunately, there are various strategies that you can use to help you become aware of these feelings and practice a more balanced perspective:","sections":[{"heading":"1. Accept your emotions","content":"It is perfectly normal to be upset when you feel excluded. Regardless of whether or not the exclusion was intentional, you might feel a mix of emotions including sadness, hurt, anger and annoyance. It is good to acknowledge these feelings in order to fully understand and process them.\r\n\r\nTip: take some time to \u2018listen\u2019 in and feel your emotions. Maybe you can label what you feel? Now\u00a0tell yourself\u00a0\u00a0that\u00a0it is okay\u00a0for you to feel this way.\u00a0<\/i>"},{"heading":"2. Consider if the exclusion could have been unintentional","content":"It is important to realise that social exclusion can be unintentional.\u00a0Feeling<\/em>\u00a0excluded and actually\u00a0being<\/em> intentionally excluded are two different things and sometimes others genuinely do not realise that their actions have made you feel left out.\r\n\r\nTip: if faced with exclusion, you could try and tell the person how it made you feel. Next, ask for the reasons why they behaved the way they did. Often you will find that there are simple explanations for other people\u2019s behaviours.<\/i>"},{"heading":"3. Avoid jumping to conclusions","content":"It is common to immediately assume the worst-case scenario when feeling socially excluded. You may catastrophise and come up with thoughts such as: \u2018my friends no longer care about me\u2019 or \u2018no one wants to hang out with me\u2019. This thought-pattern can prevent you from thinking about more reasonable explanations for why others might have treated you a certain way.\r\n\r\nTip: write down the catastrophising thoughts you might experience after being excluded from something. Next to them try and write down any actual evidence you have to support these thoughts. Example: \u2018I am not likeable\u2019. You will most likely find that there is very little evidence that no one likes you. Example: \u2018Actually, I am funny. My friend recently told me that I am a good listener\u2019.<\/i>"},{"heading":"4. Explore your signals","content":"It is always good to explore whether your actions might play a role in why your social life does not go as planned. If you want others to include you in activities, ask yourself whether you clearly convey your desire to join. You can communicate this verbally but remember your facial expressions, body language and behaviours also play an important role.\r\n\r\nTip: first, it can be helpful to learn more about your\u00a0non-verbal communication<\/a>\u00a0skills and practice them. Sometimes it is also worth just asking people why they did not invite you. Alternatively, the next time you hear about a lunch at work, or an event you want to go to, try asking whether you can join. Whilst this might seem scary at first, it often helps to resolve these situations quickly.\u00a0<\/i>"},{"heading":"5. Get to know new people","content":"It is also possible that your existing relationships just don\u2019t provide the support and connectedness you need. People change over time and so do their\u00a0interests, views and values. You might find that you have less in common with someone than you used to or that one or both of you simply lack the time to invest into your friendship. Whilst this can be difficult to accept, consider forming new friendships.\r\n\r\nTip: think about whether your relationship makes you a) feel good about yourself, b) feel supported and c) feel safe. If you reply with no to all of these, it might be worth talking to someone else about this particular relationship.\u00a0<\/i>"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"grid","heading":"How can you improve your Social Relationships?","subheading":"","background_colour":"","download":"","columns":"2","carousel":false,"grid_items":[{"image":"","heading":"Improving your relationships with others","text":"Many adults find it hard to form new friendships or to keep up with existing friends. Socialising is not always among our first priorities, as our days are often filled with other things such as going to work, caring for children or other family members, completing housework and so on.\r\n\r\nThe first step towards improving your social relationships involves\u00a0becoming aware<\/strong>\u00a0of the areas of your life\u00a0where<\/i>\u00a0you are struggling to make or maintain connections and the possible reasons\u00a0why<\/i>\u00a0this is the case. From there, you can begin to\u00a0challenge your perspective<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0change your behaviours<\/strong>\u00a0accordingly.","link":"","button_style":"black"},{"image":"","heading":"Improving your relationship with yourself","text":"Having a positive relationship with ourselves helps us build on traits that will inevitably help us in our relationships with others. It also enables us to thrive in our own company rather than merely surviving in it. This is important because we all spend time alone \u2013 no one is surrounded by friends 24\/7.\r\n\r\nThe relationship you have with yourself is one of the most important relationships, and certainly the longest relationship, you will ever have. It is also the one that a lot of people struggle to embrace. A good starting point for nurturing this relationship is to regularly\u00a0practice self-compassion and self-care.<\/strong>","link":"","button_style":"black"}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"anchor","text":"tools"},{"acf_fc_layout":"tabs_with_sub_tabs","heading":"Tools for improving your relationships with others","intro":"","tabs":[{"title":"The \u2018Why Not\u2019","overview":"There are numerous opportunities to connect with others every day. However, we often tend to ignore, avoid or miss these for a variety of reasons, such as: \r\n\r\n\u2018I had no time\u2019, \u2018I am not interested\u2019, \u2018I am afraid of being rejected\u2019, or \u2018They won\u2019t want to talk to me anyway\u2019.\r\nThis tool helps you to take some time to reflect on these reasons, as it can help you identify your thoughts and concerns. You can then use the \u2018My Social Life\u2019 tool as an extension, helping you to turn your insights into actions. ","purpose":"Others","time":"20 minutes","resource_type":"none","instructions":"","materials":[{"type":"download","file":915,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]},{"title":"My Social Life","overview":"There are many great ways to meet new people and expand your social connections \u2013 both in person and virtually.\r\n\r\nExplore our suggestions in the materials section and find what\u2019s right for you. This can either involve setting aside at least one day per month to take part in a social project or finding an activity that requires less time so you can do it on a weekly basis. If you feel lonely or isolated you can also find more helpful tips here. ","purpose":"Others","time":"Once a month","resource_type":"none","instructions":"","materials":[{"type":"download","file":1388,"app":"","link":"https:\/\/www.therapistaid.com\/worksheets\/self-care-assessment.pdf","video":"","title":" Self-Care Assessment","text":"Download and print off a free Self-Care Assessment worksheet created by TherapistAid.com.","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]},{"title":"Setting Clear Boundaries","overview":"In order to maintain healthy relationships with others we need to set healthy and clear boundaries for them. These are the limits you define around your time, emotions, physical & mental health. Essentially you set the scene for what you are okay with, and when you aren't okay with something. \r\n\r\nThey protect you from being taken advantage of or losing yourself in work or relationship obligations. \r\n","purpose":"Others","time":"","resource_type":"none","instructions":"To set healthy boundaries, follow these steps:\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. Visualise and name your own boundaries.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Communicate your boundaries with others.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
  3. Uphold your boundaries when they are breached.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t
  4. Take time for yourself.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nThe list in the download materials provides you with helpful phrases to use in different life situations should you need to communicate your boundaries.","materials":[{"type":"download","file":2105,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]},{"title":"Daily Do Goods","overview":"As the saying goes, \u201cif you want to feel good, do good\u201d. \r\n\r\nDaily Do Goods are actions that you perform throughout the day, all in the spirit of doing something for someone else. The action itself can be as simple as holding the door for someone, or it can be something more time-consuming such as cooking your partner's favourite dinner. \r\n\r\nFor some examples of Daily Do Goods see the PDF in the materials section. ","purpose":"Others","time":"5 minutes a day","resource_type":"none","instructions":"","materials":[{"type":"download","file":783,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"download","file":784,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""},{"type":"video","file":null,"app":"","link":"","video":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=78nsxRxbf4w&feature=emb_title","title":"How to be happy everyday","text":"","thumbnail":1080,"youtube_or_vimeo":"youtube"}]},{"title":"Let's Talk","overview":"Having a meaningful conversation is one of the most powerful ways to support someone\u2019s mental wellbeing. It\u2019s not about having the right answers \u2014 it\u2019s about creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. The way we listen can shape whether someone feels comfortable opening up","purpose":"","time":"","resource_type":"none","instructions":"","materials":[{"type":"download","file":3317,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"tabs_with_sub_tabs","heading":"Tools for improving your relationship with yourself","intro":"","tabs":[{"title":"About Me","overview":"This is a simple way of realising all the things you actually like about yourself and that you are proud of. It can be difficult to talk positively about yourself or give yourself the credit you deserve. However, this is an important part of being self-compassionate.\r\n","purpose":"Yourself","time":"15 minutes a week","resource_type":"none","instructions":"","materials":[{"type":"download","file":882,"app":"","link":"","video":"","title":"","text":"","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]},{"title":"Daily Self-Care","overview":"This tool can be performed on its own or as an extension of the Self-Care Assessment tool and can help ensure that you are practicing self-care in all areas of your life, not just the ones that you find easiest.\r\n\r\nThe checklist in the materials section is a good starting point for incorporating Daily Self-Care activities into your routine. Once you have completed these, feel free to add in some ideas of your own.","purpose":"Self-compassion","time":"15 minutes a day","resource_type":"none","instructions":"","materials":[{"type":"download","file":917,"app":"","link":"https:\/\/www.therapistaid.com\/worksheets\/self-care-assessment.pdf","video":"","title":" Self-Care Assessment","text":"Download and print off a free Self-Care Assessment worksheet created by TherapistAid.com.","thumbnail":null,"youtube_or_vimeo":""}]}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"full_width_image","image":176,"heading":"More resources","heading_level":"h1","subheading":"Try other areas within MyMynd that are closely related to Social Relationships. \r\n","subheading_level":"p","buttons":[{"button":{"title":"Explore Gratitude resources","url":"http:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/practicing-gratitude\/","target":""}},{"button":{"title":"Explore Happiness resources","url":"http:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/happiness\/","target":""}}],"curve_colour":"grey","character":""}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/291","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=291"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/291\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3319,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/291\/revisions\/3319"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2688"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellness.mymynd.co.uk\/cy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=291"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}