The Power of Family Resilience in the Face of Mental Health Challenges

Mental health challenges not only exist in isolation, they echo through entire families, relationships, and communities.

As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Lara Foresi of Thrive Wellbeing Centre invites us to shift the spotlight: “It’s not just about how individuals cope with mental health struggles, but how families can come together, buildresilience, and support one another through adversity.”

Globally, mental health conditions affect one in eight people, according tothe World Health Organization (2022). But beyond the statistics are stories of quiet endurance—families navigating the complexities of anxiety, depression, burnout, and more. Resilience, as Dr. Foresi explains, is not about avoiding pain. It’s about adapting, recovering, and even growing in the face of it. And it often starts at home.

From daily routines and open conversations to collective mindfulness or regular physical activity, families that adopt shared coping strategies create a powerful sense of stability. “Creating a safe space for emotions—without judgment—can reduce stigma and build trust,” says Dr. Foresi. “And seeking support early, whether through therapy, community initiatives, or support groups, can reduce feelings of isolation and overwhelm.”

This is especially relevant in the UAE, where conversations around mental health are increasingly stepping into the light. The country’s progressive approach to wellness—reflected in national policies, school-based mental health programs, and a growing number of accessible support services—is helping to redefine how families engage with mental health. With its rich multicultural makeup, the UAE provides a unique opportunity to foster emotional resilience across diverse family structures and cultural expectations. Supporting one another through challenges—and celebrating each other’s progress—can become a powerful expression of unity and strength in this vibrant society.

Science backs it up. A recent 2024 meta-analysis by Cheng et al., covering 48 studies, confirmed a significant link between family resilience and improved mental health outcomes. Families that demonstrated higher resilience saw lower levels of psychological distress and greater emotional adaptability. Meanwhile, a national U.S. survey (Walsh, 2022) revealed that 15–20% of mothers, fathers, and adolescents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.

In practice, resilience can look like a parent gently addressing signs ofanxiety in their teen and reaching out to a school counselor. Or a partner learning how to communicate during a depressive episode. These everyday moments—though small—build emotional safety, connection, and long-term strength.

Sometimes, one family member bears the weight of caregiving, leading to burnout or emotional fatigue. Here, resilience also means setting boundaries, seeking external help, and recognizing the importance of caring for the caregiver.

As the UAE continues its commitment to advancing mental health care and reducing stigma, families remain at the heart of this transformation. “It’s not about having all the answers,” says Dr. Foresi. “It’s about staying emotionally connected—especially during uncertainty.”

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s honor the courage of families who show up for each other every day. 

For additional information and resources, please visit www.thrive.ae