Keeping Your Emotional Health
What is good emotional health?
People who are emotionally healthy are in
control of their thoughts,
feelings and behaviors. They feel good about
themselves and have good
relationships. They can keep problems in
perspective.
It’s important to remember that people who have good emotional
health
sometimes have emotional problems or mental illness. Mental illness
often
has a physical cause, such as a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stress
and
problems with family, work or school can sometimes trigger mental illness
or
make it worse. However, people who are emotionally healthy have learned
ways
to cope with stress and problems. They know when they need to seek help
from
their doctor or a counselor.
What about anger?
People are
sometimes not aware of what causes their anger, how much anger
they are
holding inside or how to express anger. You may be angry about
certain events
or your own or other people’s actions. Also, many little
things can build up
to make you feel that life is unfair.
If you find yourself becoming
increasingly irritable or taking unhealthy
risks (like drinking too much or
abusing drugs), you may have a problem
dealing with anger. It’s very
important to talk with your doctor or a
counselor about getting
help.
Tips on dealing with your emotions
* Learn to express your
feelings in appropriate ways. It’s important to let
people close to you know
when something is bothering you. Keeping feelings
of sadness or anger inside
takes extra energy and can cause problems in your
relationships and at work
or school.
* Think before you act. Emotions can be powerful. But before you
get carried
away by your emotions and say or do something you might regret,
give
yourself time to think.
* Strive for balance in your life. Make time
for things you enjoy. Focus on
positive things in your life.
* Take care
of your physical health. Your physical health can affect your
emotional
health. Take care of your body by exercising regularly, eating
healthy meals
and getting enough sleep. Don’t abuse drugs or alcohol.
What can I do to
avoid problems?
First, notice your emotions and reactions and try to
understand them.
Learning how to sort out the causes of sadness, frustration
and anger in
your life can help you better manage your emotional
health.
How does stress affect my emotions?
Your body responds to
stress by making stress hormones. These hormones help
your body respond to
situations of extreme need. But when your body makes
too many of these
hormones for a long period of time, the hormones wear down
your body — and
your emotions. People who are under stress a lot of are
often emotional,
anxious, irritable and even depressed.
If possible, try to change the
situation that is causing your stress.
Relaxation methods, such as deep
breathing and meditation, and exercise are
also useful ways to cope with
stress.
Can emotional problems be treated?
Yes. Counseling, support
groups and medicines can help people who have
emotional problems or mental
illness. If you have an ongoing emotional
problem, talk to your family
doctor. He or she can help you find the right
type of treatment. (AAFP)