Being cognizant of our mental health [1] is imperative for all individuals. It's vital that all members of one's family receive the care and support they need so that the family unit is as strong as it can be. Different therapies can benefit a family and its mental health, and it can start in childhood. The stigma regarding mental health is finally lifting [2], and more and more, it is seen as brave if someone takes a proactive measure to better their own mental state. [3] Encourage your family members to be brave, too, because they don't have to go it alone. Take their hand, and guide them along the way.
There is a lot of research out there, so it's important to be well-educated and consult with a physician. But to get you started, here's a list of different kinds of therapies [5] you can take part in for your mental well-being. According to Kelty Mental Health [6], these therapies can help a variety of mental health issues ranging from depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety to eating and substance abuse problems.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): [7] This kind of therapy can be used for all ages and is set up to change the way you think and act so that you change the way you feel because it is all connected. CBT is known to work best with those suffering from anxiety and depression.
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy: The focus of this therapy is to help one's mindfulness, emotional regulations, to tolerate distress, and work on their own interpersonal skills. DBT is known to be very beneficial for youth, especially if they have anger problems, have a history of being dangerous or suicidal, or have eating disorders or substance abuse problems.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy is geared toward children who have held on to painful memories and experiences because the unconscious mind is unable to process the information at a young age. This type of therapy works well because it helps children deal with issues that are heavily rooted and works best for those who are dealing with depression and anxiety.
- Emotion-Focussed Therapy (EFT): This kind of therapy stresses the self while also allowing one to deal with his or her past. So, instead of suppressing emotions and past events, the patient will learn to deal with them. EFT is suitable for those with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and sufferers from childhood abuse.
- Play Therapy: This kind of therapy gives a child a safe environment to play in. It allows for creativity (music, art, dance, drama, etc.) to flourish without providing a lot of rules. Play therapy is used to help promote self-awareness and deal with emotional problems and works best for children who have a difficult time expressing their emotions.
- Psychotherapy: [9] This kind of therapy is best to repair relationships; therefore, it is not done alone. Psychotherapy helps children deal with their behavioural problems and helps adults manage their anxiety.
- Family Therapy: This kind of therapy is exactly what it sounds like: for the entire family. However, it doesn't always have to be in a large group. You can still have individual therapy and subgroup therapy when a family is taking part in family therapy. It's best for families who suffer from substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and anger.
