Good Communication: Without it, there is no mental health

GT

“Good communication is not only having competence in clarity, but also learning to read one another, something called nonverbal communication.”

I want to tell a recent story. I have a colleague that I trust a lot. However, in a business meeting, she seems to have forgotten about it. Taking advantage of communication that included all the arrangements we always make before any professional meeting, she seemed to forget that I was there to share ideas and suggestions with her, not just watch her talk to herself. I was very upset with this situation.

The dictionary tells us that one of the meanings of communication is association. And I want to draw attention to exactly that. Good communication is key to developing lasting and healthy relationships, to creating a support network that is essential at all times in life. Good relationships, in turn, are essential to the development of good mental health.

On the contrary, communicating in a stifled, unclear and angry manner only brings us difficulties in life – both in and out of work – and can contribute a lot to our uncontrollable anxiety, for example.

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Good communication is not only possessing clarity competence, but also learning to read one another, which is called nonverbal communication. In the example you gave, it looks like this fellow didn’t look at me. My reaction to the way she communicated was instant. I became serious, with my body very straight and stiff, and my arms crossed. If she had looked at me, she would have known that something was wrong.

Good communication also means listening. After all, good communication is always a two-way street. It’s not just about using words, speaking, speaking, speaking no matter how well you express yourself. But listening especially carefully, is a very important sign that you take the person you are talking to in great respect.

Finally, good communication is the practice of generosity. I’m sure you know someone who, before you even finish your story, is already failing, and judging. It’s pretty boring, isn’t it? It is quite possible to disagree 100% with a person who presents arguments, and not to criticize the interlocutor. Being assertive does not mean being aggressive.

Good communication is not something we are born with. exactly the contrary. It requires daily effort. It is training, where the most important rule is to learn from our mistakes.

Dr. Arthur Guerra is a professor at the University of the South Pacific School of Medicine at ABC School of Medicine and co-founder of Caliandra Saúde Mental.

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