Ever noticed how good it feels to open up to a friend – to share those little snippets of our lives that make us who we are?  

Turns out, there’s some real magic in sharing our personal stories and experiences – and it’s backed by research.  

When we open up to others, we’re basically saying: “Hey, I’m human, and this is my messy, beautiful life.” And you’ll find that most people can relate.  

We’re all part of this big, complicated club called humanity, and sharing helps connect us. When we tell our stories, we break down the walls we build around ourselves and give others the chance to do the same.  

In fact, researchers Genesis Lindstrom and Ernesta Sofija of Griffith University in Southport, Australia and Tom Riley of preventative youth mental health charity batyr conducted a study into the benefits of sharing stories. They did in-depth interviews with a diverse range of people and found that opening up helped subjects “get better at getting better” – it gave them confidence, greater self-awareness and a greater feeling of safety when talking about their mental health concerns. It helped grow their self-acceptance, and created a sense of increased connectedness to those around them. In other words, it helped build community. 

Opening up gives everyone permission to embrace their wonderfully flawed selves. It’s like saying: “Hey, it’s okay not to be okay sometimes,” and that’s huge for our collective mental health. It gives everyone around you permission to be real. 

Whether we’re laughing about embarrassing moments or venting about tough times, getting it out there can be pretty liberating. Ever had that moment when you’re ranting to a friend about something bothering you and suddenly it doesn’t feel so heavy anymore? That’s the power of storytelling. 

So, next time you’re debating whether to open up, remember this: sharing stories isn’t just good for you, it’s good for all of us. You never know whose day you might brighten or whose burden you might lighten – including your own. 

Image by freepik.