Focusing on Your Family’s Mental Health

Have you heard of the Better-Than-Average Effect?

That’s a term that arose out of psychological studies indicating that we think of ourselves more highly than we ought to. The Better-Than-Average Effect shows up in every area of life, but one of the most common is overestimating our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

The trouble is, when we perceive things to be better than they really are, we’re less likely to make improvements. Instead of investing in our well-being, we put things on autopilot. Before long, we’re not investing as we could into our children, our marriage, or our careers, and we neglect to eat right, to exercise, and to stay mentally sharp.

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Focusing on Your Family’s Mental Health,” our guest counselor Debra Fileta provides practical answers for a variety of questions related to mental and emotional health, including:

What are the signs of a toxic person or relationship?
What is codependency?
What is relationship addiction?
What’s a good approach for handling pain from past wounds?
How does our childhood affect us as adults?
How do I deal with depression/anxiety?
How does psychology mesh with theology?
How do I help a loved one who refuses help?

Listen to my conversation with Debra on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you’re facing a pressing issue, we have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Debra Fileta is a licensed professional counselor, a relationship expert, and one of our Best of 2021 guests. Her book Are You Really OK?: Getting Real About Who You Are, How You’re Doing, and Why It Matters is available through our ministry for a gift of any amount. Visit our website for more information.