The nine dimensions of health: Family
September 3, 2024 – Defence Stories
This article is part of an ongoing series that explores the nine dimensions of health, how they interact and influence our ability to balance life’s demands, and the resources available to help you feel healthy, resilient, and empowered. The previous article discussed the psychosocial work environment.
The nine dimensions of health (as highlighted in the Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy) are interconnected elements that, together, contribute to overall well-being.
Family dimension
Our health and wellness can be influenced by both our work and home lives. Building and maintaining positive relationships with those around us can impact our health and day-to-day life.
Family dynamics and relationships can be different for everyone. No matter how you define “family,” close-knit relationships can offer significant benefits to your quality of life. Positive familial relationships can help you flourish with a sense of security, belonging, emotional and everyday life support.
Considerations for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members
Military-specific circumstances and demands can put stress on families, partners, children, and friends. Military families face unique challenges, like frequent relocation, the possibility of separation during deployment, shifts in family roles, and the potential risk of injury to a loved one.
How does the family dimension help support overall well-being?
Family relationships can promote well-being by:
- Sharing emotional support during times of stress, which can help lessen anxiety and worry.
- Prioritizing bonding with outdoor activities, family dinners, and quality time.
- Providing practical everyday support with responsibilities like childcare, finances, and household work, easing the stress that can be associated with these tasks.
- Fostering resilience, high self-esteem, and self-compassion to protect against the adverse health effects of hardships and challenging life events.
What resources are available?
Department of National Defence public service employees and their families can access the Employee Assistance Program for services like Short-term Counselling and Life Smart Coaching (PDF, 4.59 MB). These services provide support on topics including:
- New Parent Support
- Childcare and Parenting
- Elder and Family Care
- Relationship Solutions
- Legal Advisory Services
CAF members have access to the following services:
- The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program offers confidential, voluntary, short-term counselling to assist with resolving many of today's stresses at home and in the workplace.
- Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services delivers programs and services for CAF members, Veterans, and their families wherever they are located.
- The Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services Family Information Line is a confidential, personal, bilingual, and free service offering information, support, referrals, reassurance, and crisis management to the military community.
- The Strengthening the Forces (STF) health promotion program gives CAF members information, skills, and tools to promote and improve health and well-being.
- Military Family Resource Centres help connect military families to a wide range of programs and services.