In a recent episode of the “A Healthier Michigan” podcast, host Chuck Gaidica speaks with Dr. Amy Milewski, Vice President of Clinical Partnerships and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, about the importance of knowing your family health history and how to discuss it.
Mental health struggles remain some of the most difficult challenges families face, with one in five adults experiencing a mental health condition each year. Even more concerning, nearly one in 20 individuals will deal with a serious mental illness, making awareness and open dialogue within families more important than ever.
Milewski emphasizes the vital role mental health plays in overall well-being. “Mental health is essential to living a healthy and happy life,” she says.
Despite growing awareness, the stigma surrounding mental illness lingers. While conversations about physical health come easily to most, mental health remains a sensitive subject, often shrouded in secrecy due to cultural and generational attitudes. This silence, experts argue, only reinforces harmful misconceptions that mental health conditions are personal weaknesses rather than legitimate medical diagnoses.
Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues can disrupt every aspect of daily life, from relationships to work performance and physical health. Without early intervention, these conditions can persist—and worsen—sometimes for years before treatment begins. Honest, empathetic conversations are key to early identification and support.
Milewski urges, “Being honest and direct is important. Ask, ‘Are you OK?’ or ‘Is there anything I can do?’ Sometimes, just listening and being present is the best support you can offer.”
Family history also plays a significant role in mental health. Some conditions are hereditary, so understanding your family’s mental health background is crucial. Having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee a diagnosis, but it does call for greater awareness and proactive self-care. Discussions about family history can be difficult, bringing up feelings of guilt or shame, but approaching them with patience and compassion can help ease the process.
Recognizing the impact of mental health on overall wellness, primary care providers now routinely screen for mental health concerns, as well as social factors like loneliness and food insecurity. Prioritizing your own well-being through sleep, exercise and healthy habits is foundational to being able to support others. As Milewski notes, “you have to put on your own oxygen mask first.”
Ultimately, mental health is health. By breaking the silence and making mental health a normal part of family conversations, families can help each other on the journey to wellness.
Listen to the podcast, How To Talk About Mental Health With Family, to hear the entire conversation. A Healthier Michigan Podcast is brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
To hear more episodes on your smartphone or tablet, subscribe on Apple Podcast or Spotify or your favorite podcast app.
Image: Getty Images
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