What's Love Got to do with it?

Here was finally a sign of something different. It happened at a coffee shop. He was looking at me and I played hard to get. He walked over and introduced himself. Hi, my name is Frank, what's yours? Time had stood still in this moment and my name I couldn't remember. He chuckled because I was taking forever to say my name. Pausing again, I finally said my name, Lisa, with more volume than I anticipated. He said " You don't have to yell, I'm right here. We both chuckled. He asked if he could sit with me, with a little hesitation, just so I didn't seem so hasty. I agreed.

This was the beginning of a conversation that began the words of a song that I didn't want to stop.

He was different. He was intentional. He was what my heart needed to feel again. He was good for my mental health. Who knew love had anything to do with it.

I realized that love has a positive effect on mental health. This was how it impacted me.

Signed,

A woman who didn't know what love could do.

What Love Got to do with.... Mental Health?

Love Boosts Your Happiness

Love isn't the cure for mental illness, but having a supportive spouse and a healthy relationship promotes happiness. It helps lower levels of stress, less depression, and anxiety.

Love Adds

Being loved adds to your sense of worth. When you are facing terrible times, having someone who loves and cares for you can be the light at the end of the tunnel that you need to keep pushing. Sometimes, in those moments, seeing your value can be challenging when you're fighting negative thoughts. Having someone remind you of you in those moments can help you remember who you are.

Love Decreases Stress

Being around someone who cares for you can lower your levels of cortisol and adrenaline. This creates a greater state of balance hormones. Feeling close to another person can lessen anxiety.

Love improves your choices

Being loved supports healthy lifestyle choices. Having a partner can keep you accountable to exercising, eating right, and even avoiding bad habits. A healthy partner can support you in areas that need improvement such as getting more sleep, taking your vitamins, or even drinking less. When you work with your partner on improving these habits, you will recognize improvements in your mental health.

All-in-all Love Promotes Emotional and Mental Wellbeing.

Happy Valentine's Day Lovers.

Please note: Love can be powerful, transformative, and healing. Yet, no relationship, no matter how great, can fully heal mental illness. If you are struggling, please reach out for professional services.