Families: An Important Ingredient for Emotional Wellbeing

Release date: 07 May 2008

National Families Week will be held next week - 11 to 17 of May – to coincide with the UN International Day of Families and Mothers’ Day. During this time, Lifeline would like to encourage people to think about the way in which families can have a positive impact on emotional health and wellbeing. 

Lifeline Australia CEO, Dawn O’Neil highlights the important role that family relationships have for our general wellbeing but also our work-life balance: 

"We know that an important ingredient for good mental health is for people to have a strong support network. Families play such a valuable role in providing advice, listening and just being there when times are tough."

"At Lifeline we provide a range of services that connect people with care, and one of the major issues that we know is of concern to many Australians is feelings of isolation and loneliness. Building and maintaining strong relationships with family and friends can help."

Family and relationship issues can also be the source of anxiety and stress. In the past 12 months more than 23% of calls answered nationally on Lifeline’s 24 hour telephone counselling line (13 11 14) were recorded in the category of “family and relationship issues”. This indicates the key role of family in every day life and emotional health and wellbeing. 

The major theme of this year’s National Families Week is Work and Family – Getting the balance right. 

"In today’s society much of our focus is on our careers and financial affairs. People don’t always take the time to look after their own wellbeing, and this includes spending time with their families," said Ms O'Neil.

Various environmental elements can also affect family relationships and stability, such as drought, the economy and natural disasters. These are all issues that Lifeline addresses through its national services and through local programs offered from 42 Centres Australia wide. 

This Mothers’ Day and during National Families Week, Lifeline would like to encourage people to consider what family means to them. 

"Extended families, close friends and even our colleagues can form part of our support network and create a sense of family. These relationships are especially important for those individuals who don't have ties to what might be seen as 'traditional family'." 
 
"Lifeline's message is really about looking out for the people you care about – both family and friends - and realising that they can also be there to provide you with support when you need it," said Ms O'Neil.

Find out more about National Families Week

Media Contact: Enita Hampton (ph: 0434378939)