Mental Health Series: Family Resiliency

Family serves as the cornerstone of a person’s life and plays a crucial role in shaping who we are and how we navigate the world around us. Beyond cherished memories and birthday celebrations, families wield a profound and extensive influence over one’s mental health.

In a world where life moves relentlessly fast, individuals and families encounter various challenges. From sunrise to sunset, families establish the bedrock of our existence, molding our identity, values, and emotions. The intricate web of family connections plays a pivotal role in nurturing our emotional well-being from the very beginning. As infants, we are cradled by caregivers who provide warmth, comfort, and security. This caregiving environment is crucial for the development of secure attachments, laying the foundation for healthy emotional regulation and social skills in later life. The bonds formed during these early years serve as a lifeline through the inevitable storms of life.

As we traverse the teenage years, the presence of a loving and supportive family becomes increasingly crucial. Faced with countless challenges – academic pressures, peer influences, and the search for personal identity – the family acts as a shield against the tempest of uncertainty. The knowledge that there is a sanctuary where acceptance, understanding, and encouragement await fosters resilience and a sense of belonging, shielding young minds from the shadows of isolation and anxiety.

The influence of family on an individual doesn’t cease with adolescence. In adulthood, family becomes a vital source of emotional support, aiding in navigating life’s complexities. Additionally, as the custodians of familial traditions and cultural heritage, they instill a sense of continuity and belonging, nurturing a deep sense of identity and pride. These ties to our roots offer stability, purpose, and resilience to face life’s challenges with unwavering determination.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that family dynamics can also present challenges to mental health. Strained relationships, conflicts, and unresolved issues can lead to emotional turmoil. During such times, open communication, empathy, and seeking professional help can promote healing and growth, reinforcing the understanding that family, imperfections and all, remains an integral part of our emotional well-being.

This course delves into the fundamental concept of the family as a shield for the mental health of its members. It is part of the Wellbeing Campus program organized by the Health Promoting University (HPU) of Gadjah Mada University, in collaboration with the Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) at the Faculty of Psychology, UGM. The primary objective of this course is to equip students with the understanding and the ability to articulate the significant role of family in shaping and maintaining the mental health of its members.