By: Lauren Felts, Editorials Editor
Levels of social interaction increase dramatically for college students. Students are constantly exposed to new people—whether that be faculty, professors, friends, or significant others—making college an extraordinary time to make connections that will last a lifetime.
Moreover, benefits of these connections can not only allow students to network more easily after graduation, but can increase overall happiness and mental health as well, according to Better Health. Research has shown that maintaining strong relationships does affect confidence and empathy, and can decrease anxiety and depression.
However, it is important to note that losing some of these connections can cause stressful consequences, as young adults in their twenties or late teens are especially sensitive to isolation. Losing a close friend or going through a break-up during these crucial years of social activity can affect a person’s mental health and cause depression, anxiety, high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and low self-esteem.
Unfortunately, with the airborne illness COVID-19 still thriving, it can be more difficult for students to take advantage of all the opportunities Saint Leo University provides to make new friends. Additionally, single students may be feeling extra lonely during February, the month that celebrates love.
Although being in a relationship can significantly enhance mental health, with some research showing that it can even increase a person’s lifespan, an article from Elsevier argues that mental health does not “reliably improve relationships.” In other words, improving mental health does not mean relationships will come effortlessly or bring eternal happiness. Relationships can heighten stress just as easily as they can erase it.
“The association between relationships and mental health is clearly bidirectional,” reported Elsevier.
To be in a happy and healthy relationship that will lead to future commitments like marriage, it is vital that both parties must be mentally healthy. It is important for the couple to be happy and confident in themselves first before establishing a relationship, so that, therefore, the effort that goes into the relationship is equally balanced.
Even though being in a relationship is constantly glorified and romanticized, it is not the most important factor in a college student’s life. Whether you have a significant other or not does not have to define your concentrations of happiness. According to Better Health, there are three kinds of social connections that boost happiness and mental health.
The first kind is an Intimate Relationship. This could be anything from a small group of close friends to members of your family. Anyone you consider a close loved one and care deeply about is an intimate person in your life.
The second category includes Relational Connections. These could be anyone you have consistent interaction with and get along with, but are associated with by a common interest, such as an academic, religious, or occupational interest.
Lastly, Collective Connections include anyone you share a membership with. This can encompass involvement with a sorority or fraternity on campus, or shared activities with a gym, church group, or club.
Maintaining strong connections in all three of these aspects will help with anxiety, depression, confidence, low stress levels, and better quality of life.
