I am a mental health expert and this is the number one secret to happiness and what you need to do to achieve it.

A therapist and mental health expert has shared the secret to true happiness and her revelation is backed by science.

Stella Ladikos, from Sydney, told FEMAIL that one of the best ways to be happy and live a long, healthy life is to foster positive relationships with your friends and family.

The Australian expert’s advice comes after an 85-year Harvard scientific study on happiness found that close relationships and social connections are crucial to well-being as people age.

People in strong relationships show lower rates of diabetes, arthritis, cognitive decline, and other chronic conditions.

“We are a social species, we are not meant to operate in isolation,” Ms Ladikos said. “Positive relationships foster happiness and protect us from falling into depressive rabbit holes.”

Harvard found that good friends protected people from physical and mental decline and gave a better idea of ​​how long a person’s life would last than their social class, IQ, or genes.

Ladikos reiterated that having a supportive community makes a person less likely to relapse into episodes of depression or anxiety.

‘It doesn’t matter if it’s your family, friends or colleagues – relationships have a huge impact on your life.

‘You must make an effort to engage and connect with your loved ones. Whether volunteering, playing sports, or anything else, you need to be in supportive spaces regularly.

“It is important to expose yourself frequently to be happier.”

On the other hand, Ladikos revealed that some relationships can also actively hurt you.

‘If someone in your life is toxic, constantly pushes your boundaries and doesn’t respect you, it increases your stress levels.

“That affects sleep, appetite, work performance and even the immune system.”

Ladikos shared that it was essential to know when to get away from people.

‘You shouldn’t have relationships with people where your needs aren’t met because it doesn’t add value to your life.

“If you have a friend you can’t trust, you no longer have anything in common, but you’re holding on because you’ve known each other for years; you need to reconsider that relationship.”

The therapist also said that the pursuit of happiness can sometimes cause more suffering.

‘If you are so focused on being happy, you try to decrease or divert yourself from negative thoughts and feelings.

‘For example, if you are anxious and avoid your emotions rather than facing them head on, they can fester and cause more problems.

“The relentless pursuit of happiness by trying to eliminate negativity instead of fostering a positive, supportive community can be exhausting.”