It’s official, good friendships stimulate our natural, feel good chemicals according to this article from Psyblog. We have evolved as a species to seek solace, support and strength in groups all of which made us safer from enemies and predators in the caveman days. It’s not just having friendships that can help us to manage anxiety or any other strong emotions, it’s the quality of those friendships.

Where I used to live I had one neighbour to the left who had a glass half empty. On a beautiful day he would tell me that it would probably rain later. He wouldn’t allow himself to feel good for long. On the other side I had a neighbour who was always looking on the bright side. Every conversation was up beat and positive- nicer to be around but when I was feeling low, he really irritated me by saying things like’ tomorrow’s another day’. He’d also tell me to’stop worrying’ which is the worst thing you can say when someone is experiencing anxiety

So we need friends that can tune into what we need when we need it. We need friends who will be there for us no matter what and we need friends who make us laugh as well. Take a look at the five people closest to you. If you were feeling anxious or down in the dumps, could you get what you needed from them. Your friends reflect the kind of water you are swimming in in your life. If you don’t like the look and feel of them, maybe its time to rethink who is around you so you can get what you need anytime you feel wobbly or anxious.