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INTERACTING WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS MIGHT DO THE TRICK<br />
By Mellonie Page<br />
Mellonie Page has a BA Honours in Performing Arts. A Singer, Writer, Performing Artist and Mental Wealth<br />
Workshop Facilitator. She organises singing classes where participants are also thought good mental<br />
health boosting exercises.<br />
One of the problems a decline in Mental<br />
Health can bring is isolation. The last<br />
thing you may feel like doing is going<br />
anywhere. Closing the curtains,<br />
wrapping up and going to bed is often<br />
more appealing. Some people cut<br />
themselves off from friends and family<br />
for months on end which can be<br />
damaging to relationships. It can be<br />
very difficult to carry out basic day to<br />
day tasks whilst feeling under a cloud<br />
of depression or other mental illness.<br />
Going out, even to the local shops at<br />
first can help your mental state to<br />
improve and give you the courage to<br />
venture out further.<br />
You don’t need lots of money to get<br />
yourself out there. You could meet<br />
someone at a cafe, library or park.<br />
Going to the cinema can help a great<br />
deal, because it can be entertaining but<br />
you don’t have to worry too much<br />
about having a lot to say, if you aren’t<br />
feeling very talkative.<br />
Group activities could be beneficial.<br />
Self help groups and church can prove<br />
to be supportive.<br />
“Interacting with others boosts<br />
feelings of well-being and decreases<br />
feelings of depression. Research has<br />
shown that one sure way of improving<br />
your mood is to work on building<br />
social connections. You may even<br />
lower your risk of dementia.” 30 Jun<br />
2016 Psychology Today.<br />
Social interaction reduces stress and<br />
builds trust. Oxytocin and dopamine<br />
levels rise when time is spent with<br />
friends and family.<br />
Oxytocin is sometimes known as the<br />
"cuddle hormone" or the "love<br />
hormone," because it is released<br />
when people snuggle up or bond<br />
socially.<br />
Dopamine is released at pleasurable<br />
moments, when eating food you<br />
enjoy, doing things you love and in<br />
company you enjoy.<br />
Spending money on experiences<br />
instead of material things, brings us<br />
more joy.<br />
Community and voluntary work will<br />
give you new skills and new friends.<br />
THE MHMUK MAGAZINE | 21
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