Written by Irene Sunny
In both our professional and personal lives, building and maintaining respectful relationships is key to promoting overall wellbeing. Respect not only strengthens connections but also contributes to mental, emotional, and physical health and wellbeing.
In 2025 let’s strive and work towards being the best version of ourselves. On this note, Charles Sturt is launching a Student Wellbeing Framework so students like you and I can put our health and wellbeing on top of our priority list. The framework focuses on four key areas including:
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Healthy Lifestyle
- Respectful Relationships
- Safe Environments
The Student Wellbeing Framework aims to emphasise our holistic health as we need to feel our best, to perform our best. It also acknowledges that the student body is diverse and requires support in the form of easily accessible information and readily available services in order to attain overall wellness while managing university, work and personal commitments simultaneously.
Respect in a Professional Setting: Key to Mental Wellbeing
1. Decreasing Stress and Anxiety
Positive, respectful interactions can help alleviate stress and anxiety by creating a sense of community and belonging. In contrast, toxic or disrespectful relationships can heighten stress, increase feelings of isolation, and negatively impact academic performance.
Fostering respectful relationships can, therefore, play a key role in mitigating these challenges.
For example; I often find myself excited and looking forward to meeting or working with my fellow students may it be just as a part of lectures or as group assessment tasks.

2. Personal Growth and Self Esteem
Respectful relationships encourage us to express our authentic selves and be accepted for who we are. This boosts self-esteem and promotes personal development, allowing us to build confidence and a positive self-image, which are essential components of mental wellbeing.
For example; Working with other students from my classes in group assessment tasks allow me to gain new and different perspectives on certain topics which in turn allows me to form better informed decisions not only in my professional life but also in personal life.

3. Healthy and Respectful Communication
Respectful relationships thrive on open and honest communication. When we engage in conversations that are both considerate and constructive, we can resolve conflicts, address misunderstandings, and collaborate more effectively.
This leads to a more harmonious and positive atmosphere both in the classroom and outside it.
For example; interacting with my peers through the discussion boards helps me improve my communication skills and makes me feel more confident in conveying my views in a healthy and respectful manner.

Respect in Personal Life: Nurturing Emotional and Social Wellbeing
1. Building Emotional Security
Respect is the foundation of emotional security in personal relationships. When loved ones such as family and friends respect one another, it creates a safe, supportive and judgement-free environment.
This sense of emotional safety and security promotes mutual trust, boosts open communication, and enhances self-esteem, allowing us to feel acknowledged, appreciated, confident and stable in our personal lives.
For example; I try my best to give my friends enough time and a safe space to share their experiences that then remain confidential.

2. Reducing Conflict and Anxiety
Respectful ongoing communication helps prevent or settle conflict in a personal relationship. By actively listening, having meaningful conversations, and addressing concerns thoughtfully, we can avoid unnecessary arguments, miscommunication and disputes.
Discussions of stressful incidents, traumatic situations or challenging experiences should always take place in a safe, non-judgmental environment, where they are approached with special care, attention to detail and patience.
This approach reduces anxiety and promotes emotional wellbeing, allowing us to have healthier, more positive interactions.
For example; I make sure I am attentive when an individual is speaking, try to remember the conversations we have and then check-in on them as an when required.

3. Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
Respect in friendships and other relationships means understanding and honouring boundaries set by a person. When boundaries are respected, we can practice self-care, mindful living and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Setting healthy boundaries in personal relationships can not only assist in balancing our emotions and feelings, but also protect emotional health and mental wellbeing.
For example; I respect people’s boundaries and do my best to make them feel comfortable and respected while still respecting their boundaries. Thus, ensuring that relationships remain positive, healthy and sustainable.
Respect is a powerful force that enhances mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing in our professional and personal life. By prioritising respect, we foster healthier relationships, reduce stress and create environments where everyone can thrive.
Let’s work together to build healthier relationships, one respectful interaction at a time.
If we want to perform at our best, our wellness needs to be at it’s best. So the Student Wellbeing Framework aims to bring holistic health to the forefront of our minds and to acknowledge that we, as students, are diverse and require varying information, support and services.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative