The people we surround ourselves with have a powerful impact on our mental health. Supportive relationships can make difficult moments feel manageable, while tense or distant ones can deepen stress and emotional strain. Research from the World Health Organization shows that strong social connections are essential for building resilience and maintaining mental wellbeing. ALSO READ: Early signs of mental health struggles you might be ignoring According to Rose Nyiraneza, a mental health researcher at Solid Minds, a counselling clinic in Kigali, recognising differences in relationships helps people understand where their support comes from and where gaps may exist. Family relationships, including those with parents, siblings, or guardians, determine a person’s emotional foundation, she said. They influence how trust, safety, and belonging are experienced from an early age. Where these relationships are stable, they offer reassurance. When strained, they can leave persistent emotional pressure. Nyiraneza said: “Each type of relationship meets a different emotional need. When those needs are met in a healthy way, people are more likely to feel supported and mentally stable.” She said romantic relationships, such as those with a partner or spouse, tend to affect emotional wellbeing more directly. Healthy relationships provide closeness and a sense of security, but unstable ones may lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional fatigue. Romantic relationships can be a source of comfort and affirmation, but when they are unhealthy, they affect how people see themselves and others. Nyiraneza said friendships, whether with close friends, classmates, or colleagues, are a reliable source of support. They provide space for people to talk openly, manage stress, and feel understood. Even less close connections, such as neighbours, co-workers, or people met in everyday environments, contribute to a sense of belonging. Professional and therapeutic relationships, including those with counsellors, therapists, or other health professionals, are important for people facing mental health challenges, as they offer structured guidance and a safe space to speak openly. Support from a trained professional can make a difference, especially when someone is going through a difficult period. Nyiraneza also explained the essence of parasocial relationships, where people form one-sided attachments to public figures such as musicians, actors, or online personalities. These connections can offer comfort or inspiration but should not replace real-life interaction, she said. “What matters is balance. Mental wellbeing improves when people have a mix of relationships that are supportive, respectful, and reciprocal.” According to WHO, social connection protects health across the lifespan. It reduces inflammation, lowers the risk of serious health problems, supports mental health, and helps prevent early death. It also strengthens the social bonds, contributing to healthier, safer, and more prosperous communities. Social connection refers to the ways people relate to and interact with others. “In this age, when the possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are becoming isolated and lonely. Apart from the toll on individuals, families, and communities, if left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in health care, education, and employment,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation. A WHO report shows that loneliness affects people of all ages, with youth and those living in low- and middle-income countries being particularly vulnerable. Between 17 percent and 21 percent of individuals aged 13 to 29 reported feeling lonely, with teenagers experiencing the highest rates. In low-income countries, about 24 percent of people reported feeling lonely, twice the rate seen in high-income countries, where it stands at around 11 percent.
