Family, a simple word which encompasses a complex concept. Across different definitions, the key concept of being a family revolves around a group of individuals who are connected by blood, marriage, adoption, or other intimate ties. The family serves to provide emotional and financial support, socialisation, development of social skills, and education for its members. In many sense, the family provides the support and sense of security that one needs to flourish into the person that one wants to be. Importantly, the individual feels love, acceptance, and support from this group of people. These are essential components to build one’s self-esteem, self-worth, and self-identity. In this article, we briefly explore the impact of one’s family on mental health.
Impact on mental health
One’s family of origin is an essential component of the early stages of one’s development of their sense of self and the beliefs and values that one forms. Although it is not the only contributor to one’s development, below are some ways that the family can affect one’s mental health:
Emotional well-being. A supportive and nurturing family environment can provide the individual with comfort in turbulent times. When family members listen with empathy and seek to understand the individual, it helps to validate their experiences and make them feel supported. Importantly, the individual would not feel as lonely in their journey to manage their mental health. These components are crucial to promote positive mental health and equip the individual with a greater capacity to cope.
Self-identity and socialization. Within the family, values, beliefs and behaviour are taught. During these stages, the interactions that the individual have would contribute to the development of their sense of self-worth and self-image. Positive interactions and healthy communication between members would more likely result in a positive self-image and higher self-worth. Thus, resulting in higher self-esteem and lower risks of common mental health illnesses like depression and anxiety. On the contrary, in environments where the individuals had negative interactions (e.g., neglected, abused, and criticised constantly), they are more likely to form a negative self-image and lower self-worth. As such, resulting in lower self-esteem and increased vulnerability to mental health issues.
Family conflict and stress. High levels of family conflict and unresolved issues can result in chronic stress for its members. Chronic stress can cause detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. One may experience greater irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and decreased motivation which can lead to mental health conditions like depression or anxiety disorders. In some instances, some may even turn to substances to manage these stresses. This can potentially lead to substance abuse disorders. Across different studies, stress levels have also been linked to increased risks of developing and worsening chronic diseases.
The extent of these effects can be long-lasting and may change the individual altogether. In Singapore society where one’s family relationships are often emphasized, the impact of the family can be felt even as the individual leaves the nest and make their own. As such, how one’s origin family treat them can make a world of differences to one’s mental well-being. Despite that, relationships with one’s family of origin are not the only relationships that are important to the individual. Naturally, as human beings, our need for love and belonging would motivate us to seek relationships where our authentic selves are celebrated.
A sense of belonging
It has long been established that human beings are social beings and thrive when we are in an environment where we feel accepted, valued, and connected. A sense of belonging is fundamental to our life satisfaction, happiness, and mental and physical well-being. Being a part of a community gives one purpose and meaning, and it provides one with a sense of safety and comfort. Importantly, belongingness enhances one’s self-concept, self-esteem, and self-worth. These are all important factors in one’s mental well-being. Across various research, a sense of belonging has been associated with a reduction of mental health outcomes like anxiety, depression, and social anxiety. Crucially, it has been associated with resilience which is a key protective factor against mental health issues. Therefore, given the abundance of benefits, it is no wonder that people look to surround themselves with others who seek to understand, validate, and support them.
Family can elicit different feelings and meanings from different people due to their experiences with their family of origin. At the core of it, the concept of family is often thought to be special since members feel safe enough to be whom they want to be and valued enough to have their opinions heard and considered, above all supported despite disagreements and differences. As such, it is important to remember that family relationships that one chooses to be committed to and engage in are what makes them truly special.
Interesting reads
https://www.msf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources-document/family-matters-full.pdf
https://open.lib.umn.edu/sociology/chapter/15-2-sociological-perspectives-on-the-family/