The Impact of Family Support on Mental Health

In this conversation, Melinda Claypool, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, discusses the complexities of mental health, particularly in relation to family dynamics. She contrasts experiences in private practice with those in community agencies, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic factors on mental health care. The discussion delves into how family backgrounds shape mental health outcomes, the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and the importance of supportive relationships. Real-life stories illustrate the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. The conversation concludes with insights on creating safe spaces for healing and the role of genetics and environment in mental health. Melinda then discusses the complexities of family dynamics in relation to mental health, emphasizing the importance of recognizing struggles within family members and the need for open communication. She highlights the significance of creating safe spaces for individuals dealing with mental health issues, particularly in the context of generational trauma and the impact of PTSD. The discussion also covers the role of self-care in recovery, the challenges of finding stability, and the necessity of support systems in navigating these issues.

Episode Highlights: mental health, family dynamics, psychiatric nurse, support systems, stigma, private practice, community agencies, childhood trauma, relationships, mental health challenges, mental health, family dynamics, PTSD, safe spaces, self-care, substance abuse, generational trauma, coping mechanisms, emotional support, recovery

Exploring hurtful family dynamics with a psychiatric nurse practitioner

It matters how children are treated

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, Melinda Claypool spent years helping people sort through complex mental health problems such as, depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, psychosis, and drug addiction.

And one thing came out clear: family support matters.

Now, some family support seems obvious. Things like shelter, food, and education, are a no brainer. Providing a safe place to work out problems, should be a minimum. But some fascinating recent studies suggest – supportive families provide a deep source of strength to people in crisis. We have great need of that support; with all the challenges we’re facing.

The Federal Centers for Disease Control reports that four out of five kids younger than five show every indication of flourishing. They are affectionate and tender with parents, bounce back when things don’t go their way, and show curiosity when exposed to new things – and they laugh a lot. But adolescent hood has become much more difficult for kids 13-17.

10% have been diagnosed with anxiety.
7% with behavior disorders.
4% have depression.
And a lot more report feeling anxious or depressed – without a formal diagnosis.
Only half have discussed their mental health issues with a therapist or doctor
many have suffered Adverse Childhood Experiences – like divorce, bullying and neglect – that increase their risk for problems.
Fortunately – 64% say they receive parent support a lot of the time.

Still – that leaves a third of all kids who feel like they can’t count on support from parents and friends. And that’s a serious problem.

Consider a 2023 study in the journal Mindfulness. The study confirmed the conclusions of many other studies. Strong family support for people with a mental health condition:

reduces the severity of symptoms.
improves social functioning.
speeds recovery.
reduces relapse.
And it makes people feel better – hopeful, positive, & optimistic.

But how? What’s the most important thing that family support offers? Well, in this study – it was self-compassion.

It’s upsetting, but some families shame, blame, or abandon family members who struggle. Not most – but when that happens problems get much worse. That’s mostly because people learn to have compassion for themselves when family members show, understanding, and acceptance for them.

Multiple studies have linked self-compassion to less severe mental health symptoms, higher social functioning, better success at work, more positive experiences, and a better quality of life.

That’s amazing when you think about it. Just having compassion for yourself – which you learn from your loved ones – makes a huge difference. That suggests the shame we so often feel when we’re ‘different” and struggling is a big part of the problem.

Fortunately, in the study reported in Mindfulness, only 18% had low family support.
37% had moderate
And 45% had high family support.

That’s encouraging to see a lot of families are providing loving and crucial support – despite the uncertainty, heartbreak, and fear that so often comes from a mental health diagnosis.

That’s what we find in the NAMI support groups, designed to help people walk through the storm and come out the other side – with a plan. We urge you to find a link to the NAMI chapter near you on our website – Strength Beyond Struggle.org. Check out the research notes attached to this episode on how families can help their loved ones.

And mind you – it’s not just families. The support of friends, co-workers, community groups, and others can also help people who suffer learn self-compassion.

Research on the Family Support on Mental Health

Self-Compassion Mediates the Impact of Family Support on Clinical and Personal Recovery Among People with Mental Illness

ORIGINAL PAPER, Mindfulness, Feb. 27 2023

Question: Does family support affect recovery (measured by symptoms) and personal recovery (measured by perceptions and life satisfaction:

356 people with mental illness filled out questionnaire on family support, self compassion, symptom severity, social functioning, recovery perceptions and life satisfaction

Result:

* Family support related to self compassion which was related to less severe symptoms, higher social functioning and work functioning, positive perceptions of recover, life satisfaction.

* People with family support have more self-caring attitude, better functioning, more positive experiences in recovery and in life.

* Research shows that families can play a pivotal role in the recovery of people with mental illness (Aldersey & Whitley, 2015; Chronister et al., 2021). Specifically, if people receive emotional, informational, or instrumental support from their relatives, they may have greater faith, hope, and optimism to pursue recovery and live satisfying, fulfilling, and meaningful lives (Roe et al., 2011; Sánchez et al., 2019). On the contrary, if people receive critical, hostile, and prejudicial attitudes from their families, they may become stressed and distressed and feel incapable or unworthy to recover (Chan & Lam, 2018; Chien et al., 2015). Previous studies have supported these views by showing that family support is conducive to individual well-being and flourishing, whereas family rejection is linked to greater symptom severity and poorer functioning, as well as a lower

Research shows that families can play a pivotal role in the recovery of people with mental illness (Aldersey & Whitley, 2015; Chronister et al., 2021). Specifically, if people receive emotional, informational, or instrumental support from their relatives, they may have greater faith, hope, and optimism to pursue recovery and live satisfying, fulfilling, and meaningful lives (Roe et al., 2011; Sánchez et al., 2019). On the contrary, if people receive critical, hostile, and prejudicial attitudes from their families, they may become stressed and distressed and feel incapable or unworthy to recover (Chan & Lam, 2018; Chien et al., 2015). Previous studies have supported these views by showing that family support is conducive to individual well-being and flourishing, whereas family rejection is linked to greater symptom severity and poorer functioning, as well as a lower

Study found 18% had low family support, 37% moderate and 45% high family support…strong relationship to self-compassion.

Research Open access Published: 02 April 2024

A serial mediating effect of perceived family support on psychological well-being

Jing An , Xuanyu Zhu, Zhan Shi & Jinlong An

BMC Public Health 24, Article number: 940 (2024)

* “social well being” and “family support” both linked strongly to psychological well-being.

* Numerous studies show perceived family support has big impact on life stressors, mental health and well-being.

* Other social and personal support also influence outcomes.

* Social support improves metal health, reduces stress, promotes physical health, improves adaptability, increases life satisfaction. Comes from family, friends, social networks, relationships, colleagues, neighbors, organizations.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Psychol., 20 February 2024 Sec. Health Psychology

Volume 15 – 2024 |Social support and mental health: the mediating role of perceived stress

1 Psychology, Central Luzon State University, Munoz, Philippines

2 Department of Psychology, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines

Consistent with the hypotheses, perceived stress signiﬁcantly mediated the relationship between family and signiﬁcant other support with positive aﬀect, anxiety, and depression. Family and signiﬁcant other support decreased perceived stress, increasing positive aﬀect, and decreasing anxiety and depression. On the other hand, perceived stress did not mediate the relationship between friend support and positive aﬀect, anxiety, and depression. Implications and future research directions are This study signiﬁcantly contributes to advancing our understanding of the intricate interplay between social support, perceived stress, and mental health. By exploring the indirect eﬀect of social support on mental health through perceived stress, it expands upon existing theories and models. Traditionally, the association between social support and mental health has been acknowledged, but this study delves deeper. It elucidates the mechanism by which social support operates, highlighting its role in inﬂuencing an individual’s perception and management of stress. discussed.

Based on 426 filipino adutls aged 18 to 64, 74% female, and 88% living with families. Most were college graduates. The benefits of family support in mental health recovery are,impact the entire family unit.

Role of family support in mental health recovery

Family support is essential for mental health recovery, providing emotional, practical, and informational assistance to individuals.

Role of Family Support in Mental Health Recovery

Family involvement leads to better outcomes, including reduced hospitalization and relapse rates.
Caregivers should participate in shared decision-making for effective recovery.

Understanding Mental Health Recovery

Recovery involves managing symptoms, developing coping strategies, and building a support system.
It is a non-linear process that may include setbacks but can be achieved with the right treatment plan.

Importance of Family Support in Mental Health Recovery

Family members provide stability, safety, and encouragement, improving individuals’ quality of life.
Emotional, practical, and informational support from family helps individuals achieve recovery goals.

Types of Family Support

Emotional support includes comfort, empathy, and validation of feelings.
Practical support involves assistance with daily activities, reducing stress and allowing focus on recovery.
Informational support provides educational resources about mental health conditions and treatments.

Challenges in Providing Family Support

Caring for a loved one with mental health issues can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing.
Family members must set boundaries and practice self-care to avoid burnout.

Building Supportive Family Environment

Open communication and healthy habits foster a supportive environment for recovery.
Creating a safe, non-judgmental space encourages individuals to share feelings without fear of stigma.

Conclusion

- Family support is crucial for mental health recovery, positively impacting the entire family unit.

Acknowledging family members’ needs and building a supportive environment enhances recovery outcomes.

Child mental health stats cdc Data and Statistics on Children’s Mental Health

Indicators of positive mental health are present in most children.

National US data from 2021-2022 show that:

Nearly 4 out of 5 children ages 6 months to 5 years (79%) exhibit all of 4 indicators of flourishing:1
- 96% usually or always are affectionate and tender with parents or caregivers.
- 83% usually or always bounce back quickly when things do not go their way.
- 95% usually or always show interest and curiosity in learning new things.
- 99% usually or always smile and laugh.

Anxiety problems, behavior disorders, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children.

Based on US data from 2021–2022:

10% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed anxiety (9% of males and 11% of females).
7% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed behavior disorders (10% of males and 5% of females)
4% of children ages 3-17 had current, diagnosed depression (3% of males and 6% of females).

Among US adolescents ages 12–17 in 2021-2022:3

21% reported symptoms of anxiety in the past two weeks.
17% reported symptoms of depression in the past two weeks.

Among US high school students in 2023:

40% reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year.
20% reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year.
16% reported making a suicide plan in the past year.
9% reporting attempting suicide in the past year.
22% report drinking alcohol in the past 30 days.
17% report using marijuana in the past 30 days.
4% report misusing prescription pain medication in the past 30 days.
10% report ever using illicit drugs.

Many adolescents discuss mental health with health care providers, and receive treatment, but there are still gaps in treatment to support youth.

Using national data collected from adolescents during 2021-2022, in the past 12 months:

More than half (55%) of US adolescents reported discussing their mental and emotional health with a health care professional.
14% of adolescents reported taking any prescription medication to help with their emotions, concentration, behavior, or mental health.
20% of adolescents reported receiving mental health therapy.
20% of adolescents ages 12-17 reported having unmet mental health care needs.

Childhood experiences

Children and adolescents may have experiences that support or harm their mental health.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic experiences in childhood that have a profound impact on physical and mental health. Learn more about ACEs, how they can be prevented, and their impacts on mental and physical health.

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are experiences in childhood that support children’s ability to live and grow in safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. The more PCEs a child or adolescent has, the less likely they are to have diagnosed mental health conditions.5

We all have a role to play in ensuring that all children and adolescents have positive experiences.

There is more we can do to foster these experiences, so all children reach their full potential and live healthy lives.

Data from adolescents ages 12-17 in 2021-2022 indicate that:

59% report they always or usually receive social and emotional support.
50% report they receive peer support a lot of the time.
64% report they receive parent support a lot of the time.
81% report they have at least one adult in their life who makes a positive difference.

Children and adolescents may also engage in activities that promote wellbeing.

These can include, but is not limited to, participating in activities that they enjoy, exercising and other physical activity.

Data from adolescents ages 12-17 in 2021-2022 indicate that:

- 61% report being physically active for at least an hour most days.
- 34% report strength training most days.
- 59% report playing on a sports team in the past year.
- 27% report meditating in the past year.

22% of adolescents report practicing yoga in the past year.

Impact of family support on mental health

The Impact of Family Support on Mental Health Chapters

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Family Dynamics

01:09 Private Practice vs. Community Agencies

03:57 Impact of Family Background on Mental Health

08:09 Real-Life Stories of Mental Health Challenges

12:42 Stigma and Support in Families

16:10 The Role of Support Systems

20:36 Healthy vs. Toxic Relationships

25:07 Understanding Mental Health: Genetics and Environment

30:12 Navigating Relationships with Trauma

32:58 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing

33:28 Navigating Family Dynamics and Mental Health

39:40 The Importance of Safe Spaces

46:07 Understanding PTSD and Its Impact

51:15 Finding Safety and Stability

55:29 The Role of Self-Care in Recovery