“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”- Marcel Proust
When we think of love, romantic relationships are often something that would come first to our minds. But love goes far beyond romance, there are different types of love, all of which play an important role in our mental health and happiness. Whether it is the love we have for family, friends, ourselves or our community, all the different types of love contribute to our emotional well being.
Different Types of Love and Their Impact on Mental Health
Love is a powerful force that shapes our lives. Beyond romantic love, there are different types of love such as:
Self-love – it is the practice of accepting and caring for yourself, which boosts self esteem and emotional resilience.
Platonic love – The deep connection between friends that provides support and companionship.
Family love – The unconditional bond that offers stability and comfort.
Community love – The sense of belonging and shared purpose that fosters emotional well being.
Research indicates that different forms of love like platonic, self, family, and community bolster mental well-being, enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges more effectively (Juliette Burton, 2024).
The Power of Platonic Love
Feeling understood and valued by friends increases self-worth and provides emotional resilience (Tanya Manchanda, et al, 2023)
Friendships play a crucial role in mental health. Studies show that strong social connections help reduce stress and increase happiness. A research by Alan Stein, et al (2023) has indicated that friendships decrease cortisol levels during stressful events. Additionally, it has also been linked to reduced depression and mortality (Forbes, 2023). The power of platonic love strengthens these friendships, enhancing psychological well-being. Moreover, spending time with friends can increase dopamine levels in the brain, boosting positive feelings and decreasing cortisol levels, thereby reducing stress (betterhelp, 2025)
Why Self-Love is Just as Important as Romantic Love
Practicing self-love includes looking after oneself, setting boundaries, and staying present, all of which contribute to improved mental well-being (Sharon Martin, 2023).
Self-love and emotional well-being go hand in hand. When we treat ourselves with kindness and compassion, we build confidence and inner strength. Self-love helps improve mental health by reducing negative self-talk and promoting a positive mindset. Taking time for self-care, setting boundaries and practicing gratitude all contribute to a healthier and happier life.
The impact of community and social connections on mental health
A survey conducted by Wolpert, et al (2015) indicated that children attending child and adolescent mental health services found that family relationship problems were the single biggest presenting issue. Furthermore, over 80% of patients agreed that their mental health conditions had a detrimental effect on their family.
Humans are social beings and our mental health thrives on meaningful relationships. Being part of a supportive community creates a sense of belonging and security. Whether it is through volunteering, joining groups or simply staying connected with loved ones, celebrating love in all forms fosters emotional resilience and improves overall well being.
Love Languages Beyond Romantic Relationships
Love languages such as words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch, and gifts are not just for romantic partners. These expressions of love apply to friendships, family relationships and even self love.
– Friendship love languages involve understanding how friends express and receive love. Learning a friend’s love language can help in promoting intentional friendship, strengthening the bond between friends.
– Understanding and practicing the above love languages can also lead to stronger family bonds and improved emotional well being.
– Love languages also apply to self love, where we can show ourselves care and compassion. By trying to understand our own love language, we can identify values, resolve conflicts and enhance our relationship with ourselves.
To know more about the different types of love languages, check out our blog on decoding the love languages.
How Love Strengthens Mental Health
The connection between love and happiness is undeniable. Love, in any form, releases feel good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, which reduce stress and anxiety (Crystal Raypole, 2022). Whether it is a hug from a friend, kind words from a loved one, or even self affirmations, love helps improve mental health and promotes a sense of joy and contentment.
Practicing Gratitude and Love for Better Mental Health
Gratitude and love are closely connected. When we appreciate the people in our lives, our relationships grow stronger and we help us feel happier. Simple acts such as saying “thank you,” showing kindness or just recognizing the support we receive can make a big difference.
Taking a moment to notice the love around us whether it is from friends, family or even self-love, it helps us focus on the good things in life. It shifts our attention away from the negativity and stress that life throws at us, which makes it easier to grow as a person. When we practice gratitude and share love we create a positive cycle that boosts our mental well-being and helps us build deeper and more meaningful connections.
Conclusion
Love is more than just romance, it is the foundation of a happy, healthy life. By celebrating different types of love like friendship, self-love, family love, and community connections, we can improve our mental health and emotional resilience. Love beyond romance is essential for psychological well -being, proving that love, in any form, is one of the most powerful tools for a fulfilling and joyful life.
References
- Wolpert, M., & Martin, P. (2015). THRIVE and PbR: Emerging thinking on a new organisational and payment system for CAMHS. New Savoy Partnership Conference, London, 11/02/15
- Martin S. The Power of Self-Love | Psychology Today. www.psychologytoday.com. Published July 7, 2023. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/conquering-codependency/202306/the-power-of-self-love
- The Self-Love Challenge and its Impact on Mental Health – Acenda. Acenda. Published February 2, 2024. https://acendahealth.org/the-self-love-challenge-and-its-impact-on-mental-health/
- Manchanda T, Stein A, Fazel M. Investigating the Role of Friendship Interventions on the Mental Health Outcomes of Adolescents: A Scoping Review of Range and A Systematic Review of Effectiveness. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023;20(3):2160. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032160
- Burton J. How Can Love Affect Mental Health? www.mqmentalhealth.org. Published February 8, 2024. https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/how-can-love-affect-mental-health/
- Pomlett M. Self-Care for Mental Health, Learn to Love Yourself – Psychological Health Care. Psychological Health Care. Published January 8, 2024. https://www.psychologicalhealthcare.com.au/blog/learn-to-love-yourself/
- Priory Group. Does Mental Health Affect Family relationships? | Priory Group. Priorygroup.com. Published 2018. https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/does-mental-health-affect-and-impinge-on-family-relationships
Raypole C. How to Hack Your Hormones for a Better Mood. Healthline. Published July 26, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/health/happy-hormone
