Blog

Creating a Positive Environment

04/30/2021
Do your friends bring out the best or worse in you? It may be time to clean out your friend circle.

With the new year comes new beginnings, which can be a good time to clean our your friend circle and those who have an influence in your life. Are those closest to you having a positive impact?

Having positive people in your life is important, especially with the unprecedented stress of trying to navigate a pandemic along with your mental health.

Having positive people in your life is important, especially with the unprecedented stress of trying to navigate a pandemic along with your mental health. 

Make time to clean out your friend circle and make sure the people close to you only want the best for you. Cutting negative or toxic people out of your life isn’t always easy, but it’s vital to properly maintain your mental health.

If you’re not sure where to begin, try reaching out to a trusted friend or counselor for some support.

Questions to ask yourself to help determine if the people in your friend group are having a positive or negative influence:

  1. Do they bring out the worse or the best in me?
  2. Am I always on edge around them, or do I feel the need to defend and confront them?
  3. Do I feel physically and/or emotionally drained after spending time together?
  4. Does this friendship feel equal in our efforts or am I putting in most of the effort?

If you feel that you have a toxic person in your life, have an open and honest conversation. Not all friendships last forever and that’s okay too. 

If you feel that you have a person who is negatively influencing your life, have an open and honest conversation. Not all friendships last forever and that’s okay too. 

You deserve to bloom where you are! Our team at Southlight can and always will be there to help you through these discussions.

Contributed By TiAndrea Scriven, former SouthLight Lead Counselor, Peer Support

About SouthLight:

Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. SouthLight partners with individuals and communities to provide innovative treatment solutions delivered with compassion and dignity. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. Call 919-787-6131 for help or more information.