The ability to control our emotions tells a lot about us. As individuals, we express our emotions and react to situations in diverse ways. This gives an onlooker an insight into our mental health, emotionally.
The world health organization (W.H.O) defines mental health as "a state of well being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and usable to make contributions to his or her community."
Various aspects of mental health
There are various aspects of mental health of which emotional health would be our focus.
Our state of well-being, emotionally, informs our decisions, preferences, actions and is important in the expression of our feelings and concerns.
Emotional health is important in the overall function of an individual which in turn affects us socially, physically, and otherwise. In other words, our emotional health controls other aspects of our mental health. For instance, emotional instability could lead to an individual being socially withdrawn; it could cause depression leading to substance abuse and subsequent breakdown in physical health.
Emotionally healthy individuals are in control of their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. They exude the aura of positivity as such can get their way around challenges. They develop healthy relationships with other people, and when feelings of anger and sadness surface, they do not let their emotions get the better of them.
This group of people:
- Love and give liberally
- Have a positive outlook on life
- Are flexible
- Are calm in the face of challenges
- Think their way out of challenges
- Are peace lovers and peacemakers
- Are confident with healthy self-esteem
- Have a sense of purpose
- Are open-minded
- Are socially stable
Emotional Instability presents as the inability of one to put one's emotion under control in the face of unpleasant events or happenings. This is not only detrimental to the individual involved but to the family and society at large. This is why we need to offer our support to these individuals in whatever way we can.
The causes include and are not limited to traumatic experiences by an individual such as abuse, accidents, loss of a loved one, properties or valuables, stress, and terminal illness.
Signs include drastic mood changes, long hours of sadness leading to depression and suicidal thoughts, the individual is easily irritable and quick to anger, pessimism, withdrawal from society, restlessness, inability to sleep, etc.
The following are guidelines to leading an emotionally healthy lifestyle:
· Talk to someone about it; for a problem shared is a problem half solved
· Exercise regularly as this has been proven to increase confidence and improve mental health
· Eat healthily
· Consciously control your emotions and reactions
· Practice staying calm in provocative situations. Take deep breaths, think before acting
· Have a positive outlook on life
· Keep negative thoughts away by practising some relaxation techniques, visiting recreational centres like cinemas and beaches
· Get distracted by learning new things like a new language or how to play a musical instrument you've always wanted to
· Keep depression away by striking a balance between work, education and social life
· Avoid triggers like being alone. Socialize, join support groups consisting of people with similar problems as their stories would motivate and energize you
· Spend time with positive people
· Volunteer, spread love, give smiles for in this, you find purpose and meaning in life.
EmotionalInstability presents as the inability of one to put one's emotion under controlin the face of unpleasant events or happenings.