“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health is integral to living a healthy, balanced life. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five American experience mental health issues which translates to more than 40 million adults a year (doctorondemand.com/why-its-important-to-care-for-your-mental-health).
Our mental health encompasses our psychological, emotional and social well-being. This means it impacts how we feel, think and behave each day. Our mental health also contributes to our decision-making process, how we cope with stress and how we relate to others in our lives.
Why is emotional health important?
Emotional and mental health is important because it’s a vital part of your life and impacts your thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Being healthy emotionally can promote productivity and effectiveness in activities like work, school or caregiving. It plays an important part in the health of your relationships and allows you to adapt to changes in your life and cope with adversity.
How can you improve your emotional health day-to-day?
There are steps you can take to improve your mental health every day. Small things like exercising, eating a balanced and healthy meals, opening up to other people in your life, taking a break when you need to, remembering something you are grateful for and getting a good night’s sleep, can be helpful in boosting your emotional health.
When is a good time to reach out for help?
Issues related to mental health can impact different people in different ways. If you start to see changes in your overall happiness and relationships, there are always ways get the support you want. Here are some ways you can get help:
- Connect with other individuals, friends and family — reaching out and opening up to other people in your life can help provide emotional support.
- Learn more about mental health — there are many resources through NAMI. Their web site is www.nami.org.
- Talk to a professional — if you start to feel like your emotional health is starting to impact you, it may be time to reach out for extra support.
Alpine Lutheran Church wants everyone to know that mental illnesses are real, that recovery is always the goal, and that even if you or someone you love is engaging in risky behavior, there is help. It is important to understand early symptoms of mental illness and know when certain behaviors are potentially signs of something more. We encourage everyone to monitor and take steps so that you can be healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually.