Between work, school schedules, and family commitments, many parents find themselves putting friendships on hold. But mental health experts say staying connected with friends isn’t just good for your social life — it’s vital for your wellbeing.

Joanne Grant, Chief Growth Officer at Sweetser Behavioral Health, joins Adrienne Stein to talk about how adult friendships evolve through different stages of parenting — from sleepless nights with newborns to the empty nest years. She says maintaining friendships helps reduce stress, combat isolation, and even improve parenting outcomes. Grant also talks about some of the challenges parents face when it comes to finding friends after their kids are all grown up and suddenly, they’re trying to figure out who they are and what they like.

For many adults, building new friendships can feel daunting. Grant recommends starting small — a quick text, a walk, or joining a local group centered around a shared hobby. Grant also points to social connection as a protective factor against anxiety and depression.

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