FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hillary Angel
Phone: (909) 390-1239
E-mail: hangel@wilkinguge.com

HEALTHY MINDS CREATE HAPPY FAMILIES

SAN DIEGO May 23, 2006 - Families tend to become overwhelmed by seemingly endless challenges when it comes to juggling work, school, and the needs of individual family members. In observance of Mental Health Month, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) offers tips to families on how to manage and improve mental health.

• Plan a getaway where family members can relax, rest and escape their busy schedules.

• Get plenty of rest, usually seven to eight hours of sleep nightly.

• Offer emotional support when a family member needs to express feelings.

• Set aside family time to play games, read a book, or take a walk.

• Encourage healthy eating habits and physical activity.

• Get family members involved with the community through volunteering or participating in fundraisers.

For significant family problems it may be necessary to seek professional help. Some of the most
common family problems include:

• Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or an addiction

• Major illness such as cancer

• Domestic violence

• Divorce or stepfamilies

• Financial difficulties

• Favoring or ignoring family members

• Unwanted separation due to job or personal demands

A mental health professional such as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is trained to assess, diagnose, and treat families with mental heath conditions, such as a depressed parent or a suicidal teenager. Therapy can help ease common sources of stress, including financial worries, family problems, and heavy workloads or having to provide extensive care for a loved one or aging parent.

About CAMFT The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, with 27 chapters throughout the state, is an independent professional organization, representing the interests of licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT provides TherapistFinder.com as a resource to the public looking for Marriage and Family Therapists located in California. For more information about CAMFT, please call (858) 292-2638 or visit www.camft.org or www.therapistfinder.com