Checking In on Your Emotional Health

Audio Version

A clean bill of health can create a feeling of security. We focus so much on our physical health, unfortunately, our mental health doesn’t always get the same attention. It can feel easier to have your blood pressure checked than your emotions. Routinely checking in on your emotional and mental health is incredibly important though it is often avoided.  

Many avoid addressing how they are functioning emotionally. According to Mount Sinai Medical Center, “One big reason for this is that while practically everyone feels comfortable about seeing their family physician at least annually, there is a certain negative connotation associated with visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist to assess mental health.” 

Checking in with your emotional health regularly can make a world of difference. When you are aware of changes in your mental health you can intervene sooner rather than later. The sooner you address changes the sooner you can begin to feel better, this can also greatly improve prognosis. 

What to Check On: The Areas of Interest

It may not be easy to tell what’s wrong with how you think or feel. One reason is because you can be worried about asking too many questions. Once you start unpacking how you feel you may be concerned that you can’t put it all back. It can also be difficult if you don’t know what you are looking for. Learning more about the symptoms of depression or anxiety for example can help. 

If you notice any of the following symptoms it may be time for a check in:

• Sad mood
• Difficulty sleeping
• Appetite changes
• Decrease interest in things you enjoy
• Irritability
• Excessive worry
• Feeling on edge
• Fatigue
• Thoughts of harming yourself 
• Relationship conflict
• Difficulty focusing

Keeping an eye on your functioning and checking in on how you are feeling makes a really big difference. Take some time to focus on yourself, you are just as important as everyone else.  

Counseling To Check In

Counseling can provide you with insight, tools and skills to keep yourself emotionally and mentally healthy. A trained therapist can help you gain a better awareness of your feelings, your relationships, and of your life in general. It can help resolve relationship conflicts and improve dynamics, overcome personal challenges and begin living your life the way you want. 

Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with licensed counselors who can help you assess your emotional health and find interventions that work for you. Call today to get started.