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 heath 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.
Depression
People with depression don't just "snap out of it." Depression is not a sign of weakness, laziness, or sin. Depression is a highly treatable condition.
What Does Depression Look Like?
Depression may look different in different people. Here are some common symptoms:
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Change in sleep patterns, either sleeping more than normal or less than normal
- Irritable and easily upset
- Hobbies aren't as enjoyable as they used to be
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Digestive problems
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased sex drive
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Significant weight change
- Thoughts of suicide
What Can I Do To Help Myself?
- Seek help. There are many people who care about you and want to help.
- Trained professional therapists can offer very effective help. They will listen to you and offer advice about how to overcome your depression.
- The book Feeling Good by David Burns is a useful guide in changing the way you think about yourself and the world.
- Medication is also an option. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of using anti-depressants.
- The book The 10 Best Ever Depression Management Techniques by Margaret Wehrenberg is a helpful tool.
Warning Signs
Does my loved one have depression?
- Does she feel restless or tired all the time, no matter how much rest she’s had?
- Have her sleep problems changed, either having trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time?
- Is she very irritable or easily upset over things that didn’t used to upset her?
- Does she no longer enjoy hobbies, friends, or family like she used to?
- Does she have nagging aches and pains that don’t go away no matter what she does?
- Is it difficult for her to concentrate?
- Does she feel ineffective and worthless without a reason for it?
- Has her weight changed a considerable amount?
- Does she have thoughts of suicide?
- Is there a family history of depression?
How can I help a loved one?
- Recognize the symptoms of depression
- Know how the depressed mind works (focuses on negative feedback and doesn’t hear the positive; they feel alone)
- Do not try to become her therapist, but be committed to helping them
- Help her recognize the depression, not the person, is the problem
- Express sympathy, empathy, and tough love( Sympathy is appropriate, but don’t focus on your own feelings; empathy is a desire to know how she feels—listen; tough love expresses love but encourages them to help themselves)
- Logic vs. emotion: recognize that logic and emotions may seem irrational; trying to convince her of this will not help her.
- Take care of your own mental health
- Help her take care of her physical health, diet, and nutrition
- Take a walk together
- Validate feelings and encourage therapy without being overly directive
- Be aware that depression may also be a byproduct of many factors, including traumas such as abuse, sexual assault, eating disorders, and more. See the other women's issues pages if you suspect these might be contributing to your loved one's depression.
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You should consider therapy if...
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Anxiety
Types of Anxiety Disorders:
- Panic Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms:
- Excessive, ongoing worry and tension
- An unrealistic view of problems
- Restlessness or a feeling of being "edgy"
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nausea
- The need to go to the bathroom frequently
- Tiredness
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Trembling
- Being easily startled
What Can I Do?
- Medication - Consider if the anxiety is interfering with daily functioning.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy - This will help you learn to recognize and change thoughts and behaviors that lead to troublesome feelings and can help you view problems more realistically.
- Relaxation Techniques
- Stop or reduce your consumption of products that contain caffeine, such as cola and chocolate.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies. Many contain chemicals that can increase anxiety symptoms.
- Exercise daily and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Seek counseling and support after a traumatic or disturbing experience.
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*For purposes of readability, we have used 'her' throughout this article. This is not to say that men do not or cannot be depressed or have anxiety--however, because women are twice as likely to have depression and anxiety, we have used 'her.'
