ARE YOUR FRIENDS BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Culling a pal feels brutal, but if they're doing more harm than good, make the break

- Tiny Traumas

Ever left a catch-up coffee date feeling in a worse mood than before? Or maybe a supposed friend has started to overstep the mark, perhaps taking advantage of your kindness? Like any bad relationship, a toxic friendship can start to affect every area of our lives, including our health. Here’s what to look out for and how to make a swift exit when things turn sour.

PRIORITISE YOUR WELLBEING

Good friends can put a spring in our step. They boost our selfesteem and help us through tough times in life, reducing our risk of mental health problems. But they’re also good for our physical health. In fact, those who socialise the least have a 50% higher risk of dying of cardiovascular disease, found one scientific survey of 17,000 adults. 

Unfortunately, though, this special power can work both ways. A bad friend can take a real toll on you, increasing stress and, in turn, adding to inflammation in the body. If you struggle with unchecked stress levels over a long period of time, this can increase your risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer or type 2 diabetes.

Beat fear and guilt