The link between mental health and love – Part 1 of 2
Mental health remains a widely discussed subject across literature, blogs, and numerous other platforms in today’s media landscape. Consequently, it attracts significant public interest as society seeks to understand the causes and symptoms of conditions affecting many loved ones. Moreover, this growing awareness reflects an increasing desire to address challenges that impact emotional, psychological, and overall human wellbeing. Similarly, in this blog, I focus on one important aspect often overlooked in broader mental health discussions. Ultimately, the aim is to explore the complex connection between mental health and the deeply personal experience of feeling genuinely loved.
A Thoughtful Definition of Love
My interest in writing this blog began when I discovered a deeply moving and thoughtful definition of love. Consequently, in his book The Road Less Travelled, Dr Peck describes love as extending oneself for another’s spiritual growth. Moreover, while the definition may appear simple, I believe it carries profound meaning and insight into human connection. Similarly, it frames love as a conscious and willing act between individuals aimed at nurturing the other’s personal development. Ultimately, this perspective highlights love as an intentional choice to use oneself in service of another’s growth and wellbeing.
The Effort Behind Mature Love
‘Willing’ and ‘conscious’ are key adjectives because they challenge the belief that love is always automatic and effortless. Consequently, romantic films, fairytales, and countless stories portray love at first sight overcoming every challenge with ease and perfection. Moreover, real-life experiences reveal that mature love requires consistent effort, commitment, and the willingness to adapt through challenges. Similarly, genuine love demands emotional investment, patience, and the courage to prioritise another’s growth alongside your own. Furthermore, it is a meaningful gift we consciously choose to give, with care and our best intentions. Ultimately, such love thrives when both individuals actively nurture and protect it through mutual respect and understanding.
Love & Happiness: Understanding the Challenges of Giving & Receiving
Unfortunately, not everyone has the capacity to love in ways that truly nurture another person’s growth and wellbeing. Consequently, many adults who never experienced love themselves struggle to offer genuine care or emotional investment to those around them. Moreover, for some, love feels like a vulnerability or burden that is too risky or uncomfortable to attempt sincerely. Similarly, this limitation can affect anyone, including parents, regardless of background, status, or outward appearances within their community. Ultimately, it is a difficult truth that some parents may even cause harm rather than foster growth in their children.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, the absence of love actively shapes a child’s development, creating lasting wounds that deeply influence emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing. Consequently, these wounds may foster harmful coping strategies, leading to repeated patterns of grief and maladaptive behaviours throughout adulthood. Ultimately, nurturing love from the start empowers children to flourish, build resilience, and form healthy, meaningful connections in their later lives.
Love & Happiness: Written by Claire Borg
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Claire Borg is a gestalt psychotherapist at Willingness. She works with adolescents and adults. She has a special interest in mental health. She can be contacted on claire@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.
