A few years ago, my ex-husband and I went through a brutal divorce, which created a mental health crisis for my sons and I. My one son attempted to end his life, and the other son’s anxiety was at an all-time high. In fact, it was almost crippling for him. I struggled immensely with depression and anxiety as well.
If I look back honestly through my mom’s family of origin, they, too, had a lot of dysfunctional behaviors, which created conflict within the family. Ultimately, suffering from mental health conditions such as:
- Alcoholism
- Spousal abuse
- Child abuse (physical)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Workaholics
- Bi-polar disease
- Personality trait disorder
The root of a majority of these mental health conditions was a direct result of my grandfather’s alcoholism, including his physical abuse of my grandmother. I have learned that alcoholics face a three-part disease: an obsession of the mind, an allergy to the body, and a malady of the spirit. My grandfather was not a bad man; he was a sick man, and because of that, the whole family was sick. It is the only disease that affects everyone close to the sufferer.
Although things might have looked bleak for a moment in time, my sons and I have addressed our poor mental health state with therapy, family services, and medication (prescribed and overseen by our professional healthcare teams).
We are getting healthier and stronger – one day at a time. To date, my sons and I have explored/are exploring the following means of addressing our mental health:
- Counseling
- Medication
- Support groups
- Eating healthy, specifically for me, a gut-healthy diet
- Exercise and weight training
- Having animals like our two dogs, who provide us with unconditional love, laughter, and opportunities for exercise through play and walks
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.
How do dogs reduce stress and anxiety
Throughout my life and my sons’ lives, dogs have enhanced our lives by reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. They have all encouraged us to exercise or go outside, which improves overall health. There is so much to gain from having a dog for someone who suffers from depression, ADHD, cognitive disabilities, Alzheimer’s, anxiety, or physical disabilities.
Dogs are incredibly social creatures and are considered humans’ best friend for a reason because they are constantly curious, love attention, crave affection, and go out of their way to make us happy. There has been no greater teacher of unconditional love than my dogs. Well, besides my mom.
According to the American Heart Association, “Pets can reduce work-related stress. Two out of three employees say work stresses them out, and 40% say their job gets in the way of their health. Studies show that pets in the workplace help reduce stress and improve employee satisfaction.
Pets can help increase productivity, wherever you work. When a dog joins a virtual meeting, group members rank their teammates higher on trust, team cohesion and camaraderie.
Pets help manage anxiety. Now more than ever, many people are feeling anxious or struggling with mental health. Pets provide companionship and support.
Pets can help you be more active. They give you a reason to get outside, get some fresh air and get active, which is proven to improve your mood, sleep and mental health.
Pets provide a sense of togetherness. The bond with a pet helps you not to feel alone. When owners see, touch, hear or talk to their companion animals, it brings a sense of goodwill, joy, nurturing and happiness,”.
Social connection and mental health
- Staying connected to others creates feelings of belonging and being loved, cared for, and valued.
- Social connections are important to our mental and physical health.
- Being connected to others helps protect against serious illness and disease.
- People with stronger social bonds are more likely to live longer, healthier lives,”.
From what I understand, connection is the opposite of addiction. When people feel connected socially, they are less likely to die from the disease of addiction or alcoholism and are more likely to recover.
Let’s keep it simple: when people are socially connected and have stable, supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and achieve better mental and physical health outcomes.
They are also better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression. Mix in some spirituality, and you’ll have a recipe for a balanced life.
When people work to make their lives better through healthy means, the more likely they are to receive the following life-changing promises:
- Learn a new freedom and a new happiness
- No regrets for the past nor any wishes to shut the door on it; instead, it is now their most valuable asset in being able to help others like them
- Comprehension of the word serenity; they know true peace
- No matter how far down the scale they go, they will be able to use their own experience to help and benefit others
- The feeling of uselessness and self-pity disappears
- Interest in themselves and selfish things is minimized as they gain interest in their fellows, with self-seeking slipping away
- Attitude and outlook upon life changes
- Fears of being around people and taking financial care of themselves will leave them
- Eventually, they intuitively know how to handle situations that used to baffle them and realize that some “outside force” is doing for them what they could never do for themselves
These are not extravagant promises as they are being fulfilled among us every day -sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. We found that they always materialize if we work for them. We must follow simple steps toward healthier physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
How does family conflict affect mental health
In conclusion, although family conflict can deeply impact mental health, healing is possible. With support, therapy, and healthy habits, individuals and families can grow stronger, find hope, and build resilience for future generations.