Who we run with, the language we hear, feeling part of or not part of the pack is an essential aspect of good mental health.
If you have a supportive set of people around you, even when your ears are flapping, when you're down and unable to connect to others they will still be there.
Poor mental health creates its own internal dialogue, thoughts of low self worth and inadequacy run rife. So when the internal noise is deafening, it matters enormously what you hear, and feel, from others.
We are not saying that you should scrap your friend set for a whole new one - but do pay attention to who is good and bad at listening, being there, and supporting you without judgment.
After all - having someone who will put your ears straight when they are inside out is a bonus.