Samara Serotkin, Behavioral Services Manager, Clinical Services:

I read an article recently that discussed the influence that our friends’ attitudes have on our own attitudes and moods. As it turns out, our social circles have a huge impact on our emotional wellbeing.

The research shows that about 50% of our happiness is determined by our genes, 10% percent by our circumstances, and the remainder, a whopping 40%, by our social circles! If we have a friend who has become happier in the past six months, then we are 45% more likely to have become happier ourselves.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my friends have a major influence on my mental health. When I surround myself with friends who spend time engaging in their own self-improvement and who focus on gratitude, I feel energized and inspired. The reverse is also true; when I am surrounded by friends who like to bond by complaining about things, I find myself joining in the complaining. Usually when I leave these conversations, I feel drained and a little depressed.

I think my friends' influence goes beyond my mental health to include my behavioral choices as well. When I am around friends who are dedicated to making healthy choices, I am more likely to do the same. It is easier to make healthy choices when they're considered normal amongst my friends. I tend to be more active, for example, when my group of friends engages in active social activities, like hiking, playing softball, or bowling together. I have also noticed that when my friends order smaller portions or share plates in restaurants, I am less likely to overeat.

With these realizations comes responsibility as well. It stands to reason that if my friends are influencing me, then I may be influencing them as well. When I make positive choices and express a genuinely positive attitude, my friends may benefit as much as I do.

All this reminds me of a quote by Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” As I make positive changes, I not only influence my own life, but potentially the lives of those I love. Knowing this helps motivate me to keep up with my goals. I’m not doing it just for me — I am also doing it for my friends and family.

What about you? Can you think of ways your social circle affects your health, for better or for worse?