Hillary Clinton once said, “It takes a village to raise a child” which roughly translates to the fact that it takes an entire community to provide a safe, healthy, interactive environment for a person. Especially with constantly evolving or “woke” generations that are constantly taking strides in areas like independence, opportunities, opinions etc.,family and friends have a major role in creating a safe space for a child’s growth, as well as their overall emotional, social well-being.
These relationships provide a foundation of support, understanding, and resilience. This support also proves instrumental in coping with life’s challenges, reducing stigma, and promoting acceptance of mental health issues.
Coming to mental health in specific, these relationships we cultivate are more than just a mosaic of shared memories; they are the foundation upon which our mental health is built. Having said that, let us delve into this profound impact that family and friends have; on our psychological well-being!
Building the Foundation: The Family’s Role
- One of the first expectations we have as human beings is to be understood and guided by our parents.
- Why? This is because things like emotional stability, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging are nurtured within the family unit first. If present, it provides a secure foundation for navigating life’s complexities in the future.
- It is important for parents to have a healthy parenting style so it becomes easier to understand their child.
- The most effective parenting style for a child’s overall development is often considered to be the authoritative style. This approach balances firmness and warmth, providing clear rules and expectations while also being responsive to the child’s emotional needs.
- Example: A parent allows their child to go to a friend’s house but sets a specific time/curfew for return, explaining the importance of balancing social time with responsibilities like homework and rest..
Friendship’s Symphony: The Power of Companionship
- As we step beyond the familial embrace, friendships emerge as dynamic contributors to our mental well-being.
- Companionship and shared experiences without that generational divide , creates a sense of community that acts as a buffer against the troubles of life.
- Friends are those people we need indirect validation from, that we are capable of being loved, taken care of and living.
- Healthy friendships play a crucial role, especially when there is a lack of support at home. Friendships can offer a safe space for self-expression and learning about healthy relationships outside of home.
Communication and Understanding: The Glue of Connection
- Effective communication is key in family and friend relationships as it encourages open dialogue, active listening, and empathy; which in turn creates an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.
- Open dialogues, active listening, and empathetic exchanges foster understanding, creating spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. These connections become lifelines during times of joy, sorrow, and everything in between.
Coping Together: A Resilient Support System
- Life is rife with challenges, and the support of family and friends becomes an anchor in turbulent waters. Think about facing grief, dealing with loss, major life changes like getting married or changing jobs.
- The ability to share vulnerabilities and lean on one another fosters resilience. Such people can also help motivate someone to prioritize their mental health, consider therapy or medication etc.
- Simple, everyday activities like cooking a meal together, watching a favorite movie, or going for a walk can be effective ways for families and friends to connect and support each other during challenging times.
Breaking Chains: Reducing Stigma and Promoting Acceptance
- As just mentioned above, family and friends play a crucial role in motivating one to consider mental health. Through open conversations, they contribute to reducing stigma and normalising mental health challenges.
- This was not the case even 10 years ago but now, with the influence of media and public figures, growing acceptance is present more than ever.
- Even small steps like encouraging self-care practices or psychoeducating a friend or family member on burnout and how to avoid it can be of great help. Another way? Suggesting online therapy as a first step! Apps like LetsGetHappi offer completely anonymous, 24/7 online counselling that one can try to see if it helps, especially considering the first session is free and at the tips of one’s finger tips.
Celebrating Achievements: Shared Joy, Shared Well-being
- Celebrating both small and big achievements with loved ones boosts mental health.
- For example, a family might celebrate a child’s small step of learning to ride a bike with as much enthusiasm as a major milestone like a graduation, acknowledging each achievement’s unique importance in their journey and motivating one to continue.
- Sharing happiness and sorrow provides a sense of hope and motivation. It reinforces the idea that you’re not alone in your journey.
Independence and Support: Striking the Balance
- With all the support, also comes the importance of balancing independence as well.
- It empowers individuals to confidently pursue their goals, knowing they have support.
- Navigating this well can empower individuals to pursue their goals while providing a safety net during challenging times.
- This equilibrium is increasingly important in modern relationships across all roles.
- It helps maintain healthy boundaries while ensuring emotional availability and support.
Conclusion:
In the grand narrative of our lives, family and friends emerge as indispensable characters, shaping the story of our mental health. Let us recognize and cherish the nurture our connections bring to us and we bring to others in support of mental health.
Some Effective Ways To Support Your Loved Ones:
Active Listening:
- Pay close attention to what your loved one is saying and avoid distractions
- Display empathy and understanding, resisting the urge to interrupt or solve the problem right away.
Ask Open-ended Questions:
- Prompt more in-depth sharing by asking questions that encourage elaboration about one’s thoughts and feelings.
- Frame questions in a way that invites discussion rather than short, definitive answers like “yes” or “no”.
Validate Their Feelings:
- Acknowledge their emotions without judgment, confirming that all their feelings and experiences are legitimate.
- Be careful not to downplay or trivialize their feelings. Instead of saying things like “It could be worse” or “Others have it harder,” acknowledge the significance of their emotions and experiences as they perceive them.
Share Your Own Experiences (if appropriate):
- If you’ve been through a similar situation, share your experiences. This can help them feel less alone and provide insights on coping strategies.
- Be careful to use your experiences to offer perspective, while ensuring the focus remains on their feelings and needs.
Offer Practical Help:
- If appropriate, identify specific ways to provide assistance, tailored to their needs and circumstances.
- For example, offer to run errands, cook a meal, or help with tasks that may be overwhelming for them.
Educate Yourself:
- Actively research and learn about the specific challenges they’re facing to deepen your understanding.
- This can help you provide more informed and empathetic support.
Stay Connected:
- Maintain regular contact to check in on them, every few days or weekly.
- Even if it’s just a brief message or call, showing consistent support helps individuals feel both; supported regardless of their troubles and also accountable for their recovery.
Be Patient:
- Recognize that emotional and psychological healing and coping often requires time and may not follow a linear path.
- Be patient and persistent in your support without expecting immediate changes.
In the midst of providing support to your loved ones, it’s essential to remember the importance of self-care. Balancing your own well-being while helping others is crucial. Just as you are there for them, make sure to allocate time and activities for your own mental and emotional health. This can include engaging in hobbies, ensuring enough rest, and seeking support when needed.Remember, you can offer the best care to others when you are also caring for yourself.