Emotional Health: What Healthy vs Unhealthy Looks Like
Emotional health is a vey important, yet often overlooked, component of our overall well-being. As stress, burnout, and mental health challenges continue to rise, understanding and nurturing your emotional health is imperative to maintaining your overall health and resilience.
Based on the NBHWC Deep Health principles, this article will explore what emotional health is, how to assess it, what distinguishes emotionally healthy individuals from those who are struggling, and how both states impact not only the individual but also their relationships with others. We’ll also delve into the risk factors for stressed-out employees and provide a realistic action plan for improving emotional health, with guidance on when to seek professional help.
What is Emotional Health?
Emotional Health refers to the ability to understand, manage, and express your emotions in a balanced and constructive way. It’s about being aware of your emotions, understanding how they influence your thoughts and behaviors, and being able to manage them effectively—especially in the face of stress or adversity. Emotional health also involves developing resilience, practicing self-compassion, and maintaining healthy relationships with others.
According to the NBHWC Deep Health principles, emotional health is one of the six dimensions of well-being, alongside physical, mental, relational, existential, and environmental health. Each dimension is interconnected, meaning that challenges in one area can affect others.
How to Assess Your Emotional Health
Assessing your emotional health requires honest self-reflection. Consider the following questions:
Self-Awareness: Are you able to recognize and name your emotions as they arise?
Emotional Regulation: Can you manage your emotions effectively, even in challenging situations, without resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms?
Resilience: How do you respond to stress and setbacks? Are you able to bounce back, or do you feel overwhelmed?
Relationships: How do your emotions affect your relationships? Are you able to communicate your feelings openly and empathetically?
Overall Well-being: Do you generally feel content, or are you often anxious, irritable, or sad?
If you find that you struggle in one or more of these areas, it may indicate that your emotional health needs attention.
Emotionally Healthy vs. Emotionally Unhealthy
Emotionally HEALTHY Individuals:
Self-Awareness: They are in tune with their emotions and can identify what they are feeling and why.
Emotional Regulation: They manage their emotions in a healthy way, using coping strategies like mindfulness, deep breathing, or talking to a trusted friend.
Resilience: They are able to recover from setbacks and adapt to change with a positive outlook.
Healthy Relationships: They communicate openly, set healthy boundaries, and are empathetic towards others.
Emotionally UNHEALTHY Individuals:
Lack of Awareness: They may struggle to identify their emotions or understand their sources.
Poor Regulation: They might react impulsively, lash out, or use unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse or avoidance.
Low Resilience: They may feel overwhelmed by stress, struggle to recover from challenges, and may experience prolonged periods of sadness or anxiety.
Strained Relationships: They might have difficulty communicating, set unclear boundaries, or struggle to empathize with others, leading to conflict or isolation.
How Emotional Health Affects You and Those Around You
Emotionally Healthy Individuals often experience stronger, more fulfilling relationships. They are better equipped to handle conflict, communicate effectively, and offer support to others. Their resilience allows them to face challenges without becoming overwhelmed, which contributes to a positive work environment and a supportive home life.
Emotionally Unhealthy Individuals, on the other hand, may unintentionally create tension in their relationships. Their inability to manage emotions can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and emotional withdrawal. This not only affects their own well-being but can also strain their relationships with family, friends, and coworkers, leading to a cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.
Risk Factors for Emotional Health in Stressed-Out Employees
Stressed-out employees are particularly vulnerable to emotional health challenges. Key risk factors include:
Chronic Stress: Persistent stress can lead to emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression.
Workplace Pressure: High demands, long hours, and a lack of control over work can contribute to feelings of helplessness and frustration.
Lack of Support: Employees who feel unsupported by their managers or colleagues may struggle to manage their emotions, leading to isolation and burnout.
Poor Work-Life Balance: An imbalance between work and personal life can exacerbate stress, leaving little time for self-care and emotional recovery.
A Realistic Action Plan for Improving Emotional Health
Improving emotional health is a journey that requires both self-awareness and action. Here’s a realistic plan to help you get started:
Increase Self-Awareness
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings daily to better understand your emotional patterns.
Mindfulness Practice: Incorporate mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, to become more aware of your emotions in the moment.
Develop Healthy Coping Strategies
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and improve mood.
Social Connection: Reach out to friends or family when you’re feeling down. Sometimes, just talking can help.
Creative Outlets: Engage in activities that allow you to express your emotions, such as painting, writing, or playing music.
Set Boundaries
Work-Life Balance: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Make time for activities that recharge you.
Personal Boundaries: Communicate your needs clearly and assertively to avoid overcommitment and burnout.
Seek Professional Help When Needed
Therapy or Counseling: If you find that self-help strategies aren’t enough, consider seeking the support of a licensed therapist. They can help you develop deeper emotional insights and coping mechanisms.
Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and shared experience, helping you feel less isolated in your struggles.
When to Seek Help from a Professional
While many aspects of emotional health can be improved through self-care, there are times when professional help is necessary. If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, or if your emotional struggles are interfering with your ability to function at work or in your personal life, it’s important to seek help from a licensed mental health professional.
They can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate these challenges effectively.
Conclusion
Emotional health is a vital component of your overall well-being, influencing not only your own life but also your relationships with those around you. By understanding what emotional health looks like, assessing your own emotional state, and taking proactive steps to improve it, you can build resilience, enhance your relationships, and lead a more fulfilling life. Remember, it’s okay to seek help when needed—your emotional health is worth investing in.
Article References
The sources cited in the article:
National Institutes of Health (NIH). “What Is Wellbeing?” NIH - What Is Wellbeing?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace." CDC - Mental Health at Work
World Health Organization (WHO). "Mental Health at Work." WHO - Mental Health at Work
National lnstitutes of Health (NIH). "Emotional Wellness Toolkit" NIH - Emotional Wellness Toolkit
American Psychological Association (APA). "The Road to resilience." APA - The Road to Resilience
SAMHSA. “Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Emotional Distress.” SAMHSA - Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Emotional Distress
