- Friendships are a central component of a person’s sound emotional well-being.
- However, having dominant friends and similar unequal friendships can be detrimental to mental health.
Friendships And Teen Mental Health
Friendships are essential for the healthy development of adolescents. Having close friends can help them to build self-esteem, learn social skills, and cope with stress. However, some friendships can be harmful, particularly if they are with dominant or controlling friends.
Problems Of Having Dominant Friends
Dominant friends can be difficult to deal with, particularly if they are controlling and manipulative. Some of the problems that can arise from having dominant friends include:
- Loss of personal autonomy and decision-making power
- Feeling like your opinions and feelings are not valued
- Being pressured to do things that you don’t feel right about
- Feeling guilty or ashamed for expressing your own thoughts or feelings
- Losing touch with other friends and family members
- Being subjected to emotional abuse or manipulation
Is Having Dominant Friends Linked To Anxiety In Teens?
Research suggests that having dominant friends can trigger symptoms of anxiety and depression. Certain studies claim that a dominant friends circle induces low levels of self-esteem and identity issues in adolescents.
Other works ascertain that the presence of a dominant friend can make it more difficult for teens to assert themselves, leading to feelings of powerlessness and unassertiveness.
Tips For Dealing With Dominant Friends
If you’re struggling with a dominant friend, consider the following tips to manage the relationship:
- Set clear boundaries and let them know what you are and aren’t comfortable with.
- Communicate assertively and stand up for yourself while still respecting the other person.
- Use “I” statements to express your own thoughts and feelings, and listen actively to your friend’s perspective.
- Seek support and talk to someone you trust, like a family member, teacher, or counselor, about the challenges you’re facing with your friend.
- Practice self-care and take care of your mental health when dealing with a difficult friendship. This may include exercising, reading, or spending time in nature.
- Take time to reflect and consider ending the difficult and unequal friendship as a last resort. It can be difficult to let go of a friendship, but sometimes it’s necessary for your own well-being.
Therefore, it is important to understand that having close friends can provide numerous benefits, but having dominant friends can be harmful to one’s mental health. By prioritizing their own mental health and well-being, teens can build healthier relationships and develop the skills they need to navigate challenging situations.
