When you are not feeling well, you go to your doctor, your pastor or your therapist. All of these are great ideas. Have you also considered going to your friends? If you don't have friends, you are missing a way to boost your mental health. When you maintain friendships, you can increase your feelings of belonging and your sense of purpose in this world. You will also experience more feelings of happiness, less tension and improved self-esteem.
Many studies have indicated that, with good social support, you are likely to live longer. (Smith and Chris Takis.) Without social relationships and support, your risk of early death can be doubled. When you are socially isolated, there are negative connections between your social state and your cardiovascular health, your blood pressure, cancer, and even cancer recovery. (Brummett and colleagues - 2001.)
Social ties promote health and reduce stress. Even so, I know that it can be difficult to reach out to others. "Telling an introvert to go to a party is like telling a saint to go to Hell." (Criss Jami Killosophy) DO IT ANYWAY. Life can feel better when you don't live it alone.