Why Friendship is Essential to Mental Health (At Every Age)

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a significant time dedicated to bringing light to the often-overlooked aspects of our mental and emotional well-being that frequently go unseen.

This month serves as a crucial reminder that our overall well-being encompasses much more than just the physical components of our lives, such as what we eat or how we engage in physical activities. It extends deeply into the realm of our social connections and emotional health.

The relationships we cultivate with family, friends, colleagues, and even acquaintances play a vital role in shaping our mental landscape. It is essential to recognize whether we feel truly seen, heard, and supported by those around us, as these feelings can greatly influence our mental health.

During this month, organizations, communities, and individuals are encouraged to engage in conversations about mental health, breaking the stigma that often surrounds it. Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of self-care practices that go beyond the conventional methods. It encourages individuals to explore what makes them feel valued and understood, whether that be through creative expression, mindfulness practices, or simply taking time to connect with nature.

At Cincy Girls Who, we believe one of the most powerful forms of self-care is connection. Not performative, surface-level connection—but genuine, soul-filling, belly-laughing, sit-on-a-park-bench-and-talk-about-life kind of connection.

And here’s the thing: making new friends doesn’t stop being important when you leave high school or college.

It doesn’t stop being necessary when you get a partner, have kids, change jobs, or move cities. In fact, the need for meaningful friendship only grows—and yet it somehow becomes harder to find.

We often hear women say,

“I feel like I should already have my people by now.”

“I don’t want to feel awkward trying to make new friends in my 30s, 40s, or beyond.”

“Where do I even start?”

The answer? You start by showing up.

For yourself. For others. For a walk, a dinner, a chat, a new beginning.

Mental health isn’t just therapy sessions and meditation apps—it’s the relief of someone texting to check in. It’s laughing so hard your stomach hurts. It’s being invited. It’s not having to pretend.

This month (and all year long!), let’s normalize needing people. Let’s stop shaming ourselves for outgrowing friendships or wanting more. Let’s celebrate the courage it takes to say, “I don’t want to do life alone.”

So wherever you are in your journey—new to the city, starting over, re-grounding after a hard year—we want you to know: there’s space for you here. You’re not behind. You’re not alone.

You just haven’t met all your people yet.

With love,

Tara + the Cincy Girls Who Team