WHAT MAKES A FAMILY? 
 
At a basic level, a traditional family consists of a father, mother and children. An extended family may include grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. In a well-functioning family, each has a vital role and contributes to the well being of the family as a whole.

In today’s modern society, there are other types of families other than the traditional family unit. These include - single parent families, step-parent families and foster families. The common factor in all these families is that they comprise of people with a commitment to share their lives with one another.

WHY VALUE GOOD FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH? 
 
Families and kinship are the single most important aspects of a healthy society. Healthy individuals who contribute towards a healthy society come from healthy families.
 

WHAT MAKES A FAMILY MENTALLY HEALTHY?

• Family members who respect one another 
   
• Family members who spend quality time together e.g. at meals, watching TV, playing games. 
   
• Family members who take time to listen to one another, 
   
• Family members who can talk about their problems, hopes and fears with one another. 
   
• The family who can respect the need for individual time and activities 
   
• Family members who are cohesive, fair and tolerant. 
   
• Family members who understand one another’s social needs and enjoy a positive social life. 
   
• The family who has a balanced sense of protectiveness towards its members.  
   

TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR FAMILY'S MENTAL HEALTH

• Accept that NO family is perfect - do not compare your family with an inaginary ideal. When there are problems, start working on ways to solve them.
   
• Be honest - learn to say how you feel without hurting others.
   
• Praise one another for good things instead of blaming for the bad.
   
• Respect each other's right privacy.
   
• Be sensitive to one another's needs, feelings and rights.
   
• Divide household tasks and chores so that everyone feels satisfied and appreciated.
   
• Do not abuse one another physically, sexually or verbally.
   
• Have realistic expectations of one another.
   
• Be loyal and faithful to one another.
   
• Do not be afraid to ask for help

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The article above is an abstract from our booklet  "What is Mental Health".  You can click here to download the Booklet (PDF - 2.26MB)

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