What can FAMILY members do to promote mental wellness?

Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder. Mental health can affect daily living, relationships, and physical health.

Recovery is full of ups and downs. There is no such thing as a linear life. But you can always turn your setbacks into setups to come back stronger

HOW DOES FAMILY LIFE AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH

Family relationships can substantially affect mental health, behavior and even physical health. Numerous studies have shown that social relationships, particularly family relationships, can have both long- and short-term effects on one’s mental health. Depending on the nature of these relationships, mental health can be enhanced or impacted negatively.

FAMILY AND POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT

When family relationships are stable and supportive, a person suffering from mental health issues or disorders may be more responsive to treatment. Companionship, emotional support and often even economic support can have a positive impact on someone coping with a mental health problem.

While some who suffer from mental health issues may require intense familial support, others may simply need help with transportation to get to treatment or the day-to-day companionship that most people require in times of need.

FAMILY AND NEGATIVE MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT

An increasing body of research demonstrates that negative family relationships can cause stress, impact mental health and even cause physical symptoms. Research has demonstrated that non-supportive families can detract from someone’s mental health and or cause a mental illness to worsen.

Most of the care that mental health sufferers often rely on is from family, so when family members deny this support, the recovery process can be negatively affected.