Is Family the undervalued dynamic in great mental fitness?

As we strive for better work/life balance, improved well-being and more leisure time there is an abundance of helpful support and guidance out there.

Almost 3 months ago, my partner and I made a life changing decision, and moved from Dublin to the South of France.

It took courage and planning to make that move and already we’re not looking back. We’re both ‘second time rounders’ and between us we have four adult children but we knew that our location would serve as a perfect place to improve our family dynamic. And our work life.

I often see men and women striving to keep their heads above water by working many hours, to maintain the status quo. And all too often at the expense of quality family time

Our move, brought this sharply into focus. We have already had three family visits – all of which have brought us closer with an appreciation and stronger love for each other.

And before you say oh lucky you – we did it on a shoestring and we are both still working hard but we are rich in our new surroundings, the quality of life and the wine of course!!

Family connections have never been stronger, aided of course with the benefit of internet connectivity.

We’ve already connected with some of the locals and there’s a strong ex-pat community. So when I talk about ‘family’ there is a broader aspect to this and it’s called ‘community’. For many these relationships often enhance or even replace fractured or dysfunctional family ties.

In the words of Blues Brothers ‘Everybody needs Somebody’ and that’s a fact.

Your family and your broader community can play a key role in your mental health and wellbeing. Good family relationships can make us feel safe and loved and provide a sense of belonging. Often, we learn the skills to manage life’s difficulties from our family or a close friend.

They can be one of your main supports if you experience poor mental fitness. Being close to you, they can notice changes in your behaviour and be there for you when you need support.

Unhealthy family relationships may set you up for some mental health problems and hold back recovery. If people in your family are unable to understand or accept your mental fitness when you first open up, you may not feel like talking about them again - to them or anyone else.

Here’s a download here that shows the ‘9 reasons why Family and Community are important for your mental fitness’.

Why is Family Important for your Mental Fitness.pdf

Feel free to download and browse through it. It might help you to re-evaluate your own family connections.

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Paul Hodson - BodyFitMind