In a world where women are expected to be strong, silent and self-sacrificing, Rachel Green’s infamous “I’ve got my girls” reminds us that our womanly community is the most meaningful resource we have. It’s more than chit-chat and shared lip gloss – research shows that girl-to-girl connection not only reduces symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, but helps us become better for ourselves.

Let’s unpack the what, how, and why of feminine power through friendships – and what building these circles of support may look like to you.

What is “Sisterhood”?

Sisterhood is the unspoken, universal bond between women rooted in empathy and shared female experiences. We see it daily, be that a life-long friendship that journeyed from the dollhouse into adulthood, the WhatsApp group-chat, or a simple exchange with a stranger in the lady’s bathroom.

Being a woman is more than just your gender – it’s an identity and an emotional experience, shared amongst billions.

Symmetry, Support & Secrecy in Sisterhood

The three qualities of women’s friendships, studied by Danielle Bayard Jackson, help us understand what exactly makes these relationships feel extra special:

• Symmetry – the relatability we feel when with other women: “you get me.”
• Support – a woman’s natural ability to show care and listen: “you’re my shoulder to cry on.”
• Secrecy – the trust that what you share is safe and respected: “I’ve got you.”

What Does Psychology Say?

In psychology, the above three qualities are the building blocks for communal healing – the idea that female friendships are a space to support one another’s mental health.

Rather than coping alone, women often find strength through shared stories and mutual care that only another woman’s understanding can offer. Sisterhood becomes more than connection – it becomes emotional safety, stress release, and support through dealing with life’s challenges together.

These friendships create co-regulation – the calmness you feel when being with someone safe.

Mental Health Benefits of Female Friendships

1. Emotional Validation and Regulation

Venting and expressing our feelings, anxieties and life challenges are important parts of female friendships. Shared empathy and understanding help us process emotions, feel less lonely, reduce depression and anxiety, and soften stress during tough times.

2. Stress Reduction

Research shows that talking to our female friends actually lowers our stress hormones, such as cortisol, proving that interacting with trusted women directly calms our body.

3. Sense of Belonging

Knowing you’re not alone in your struggles reduces shame and loneliness. Shared laughter, wholesome activities, and late-night DMs release “feel-good” chemicals (endorphins) and help distract us from daily worries.

4. Personal Growth

Healthy female friendships help us grow. Honest feedback from trusted friends can encourage healthy change. These relationships are also spaces of trust and empowerment, helping us recover from traumas with caring support.

Ways to Build Female Friendships and Mental Health

Maybe you haven’t found your female friendship circle yet, or maybe you’re ready to go deeper with the women already in your life. Connection is possible and all around you:

• Let her know. Compliment her strength, style, or kindness.
• Be emotionally present. Listen without interrupting: “Do you want advice or just to be heard?”
• Vulnerability invites vulnerability. Share your truth.
• Stay consistent. Check in, send playlists, remember special days.
• Surround yourself with women. Host a dinner, join a book club, start a walking group.
• Reach out on social media – there are women out there looking for connection too.

Conclusion

Keep being yourself and don’t settle for friendships that disrespect your boundaries or make you feel bad about yourself. For friendship, all you have to do is exist – the right women will come your way. If you need guidance, space to explore your relationships, or feel isolated and in need of mental health support, do not hesitate to reach out.