The importance of friendship

As the cost of living continues to rise, an expert is urging people to keep up social contact to support good mental health and wellbeing.

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Dr Jennifer Wild, an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at Oxford University, describes friends as being protectors' when times get tough. She says while people look to tightening their belts, they shouldn't compromise on making or spending time with friends.

"Friendship is a wonderful thing. Spending time with people who share our values and beliefs can be very motivating and laughter with friends improves our mood.

"But friendship goes much deeper than that. The support that good friends provides can also be protective. Those with close companions they can lean on in tough times are less likely to suffer from depression. Friends offer perspectives more compassionate than our own, which helps to interrupt self-critical thinking and improve our problem-solving skill set."