MIND: Emotional & Mental Wellness

Our emotional health is important and has an impact on our physical health as well. We all experience happiness, sadness, hope, and anger almost daily. How we handle these ups and downs impacts our quality of life. When we are emotionally healthy we are able to successfully integrate these emotions in our relationships with ourselves and others. Positive self-esteem, self-awareness and confidence as well as the ability to share our feelings with others are key. By becoming emotionally aware we can better take care of ourselves, better deal with life’s stresses and have positive relationships.

Research has shown that when we experience negative emotions such as anxiety or depression it can impact our immune system and increase the possibility of falling ill. When we are emotionally strong we can become more resilient and prepared to respond in a positive way to life’s inevitable changes, losses and disappointments.

We all have good days and bad days – however for some of us mental health conditions exist, for reasons that could be due to biology or life events, that could have a negative impact on our ability to function in the world and live full lives. Our mental health is influenced by a variety of factors. Biological factors include family history or illnesses. Social and environmental factors such as experiences of loss, traumatic events and stress also impact our mental health. Wellness everyday means paying attention to how we think — and how we feel. If these are out of balance, support and treatment is available.