About emotional health

Emotional health refers to how a person is able to manage their feelings, emotions and thoughts through the ups and downs of life.

Someone with good emotional health is aware of their emotions and has strategies to deal with both everyday situations and traumatic experiences.

Being emotionally healthy does not mean that we are never sad or angry. Emotionally healthy people are typically in control of their thoughts and feelings, and can cope with life's challenges.

Having good emotional health is key for fostering resilience, self-awareness and overall wellbeing. It also affects how well we interact with others and interpret what others are doing. Maintaining our emotional health is key for thriving in life.

Emotional health is not equals to mental health. Someone can have good emotional health but still struggle with their mental health. The scope of mental health is wider, in that emotional health is a big contributor to overall mental health.

Emotional health is about managing our emotions and the impact our emotions have on us and others, while mental health concerns our engagement with others and how our minds understand information.

If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be a sign that you are struggling:

• You feel drained all the time

• You are sleeping too much or too little

• Your performance at work is beginning to suffer

• Taking care of your hygiene and personal health feels like too much

• You find that you are eating too much or too little

• You are often irritated with loved ones

• You have physical symptoms of stress

• Your self-esteem is affected

Characteristics of an emotionally healthy person includes:

• They are self-aware - they are able to perceive themselves accurately and understand how their behaviour comes across to others

• They have emotional agility - they are able to deal with stressors and discomfort in life

• They have strong coping skills - these skills help them in trying times

• They live with purpose

• They manage their stress levels

You can improve your emotional health by:

• Cultivating a positive mindset

• Smiling

• Seeking or accepting help and support from others

• Practising gratitude in your daily life

Some examples of emotional health include:

• Being curious about your own mind

• Sharing feelings appropriately

• Noticing and facing emotions when they arise