how to improve emotional health essay

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Mental Health Essay

Introduction

Mental health, often overshadowed by its physical counterpart, is an intricate and essential aspect of human existence. It envelops our emotions, psychological state, and social well-being, shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and interactions. With the complexities of modern life—constant connectivity, societal pressures, personal expectations, and the frenzied pace of technological advancements—mental well-being has become increasingly paramount. Historically, conversations around this topic have been hushed, shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. However, as the curtains of misconception slowly lift, we find ourselves in an era where discussions about mental health are not only welcomed but are also seen as vital. Recognizing and addressing the nuances of our mental state is not merely about managing disorders; it's about understanding the essence of who we are, how we process the world around us, and how we navigate the myriad challenges thrown our way. This essay aims to delve deep into the realm of mental health, shedding light on its importance, the potential consequences of neglect, and the spectrum of mental disorders that many face in silence.

Importance of Mental Health

Mental health plays a pivotal role in determining how individuals think, feel, and act. It influences our decision-making processes, stress management techniques, interpersonal relationships, and even our physical health. A well-tuned mental state boosts productivity, creativity, and the intrinsic sense of self-worth, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling life.

Negative Impact of Mental Health

Neglecting mental health, on the other hand, can lead to severe consequences. Reduced productivity, strained relationships, substance abuse, physical health issues like heart diseases, and even reduced life expectancy are just some of the repercussions of poor mental health. It not only affects the individual in question but also has a ripple effect on their community, workplace, and family.

Mental Disorders: Types and Prevalence

Mental disorders are varied and can range from anxiety and mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia.

• Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, and fatigue.
• Anxiety Disorders: Encompass conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and specific phobias.
• Schizophrenia: A complex disorder affecting a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.

The prevalence of these disorders has been on the rise, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health initiatives and awareness campaigns.

Understanding Mental Health and Its Importance

Mental health is not merely the absence of disorders but encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Recognizing the signs of deteriorating mental health, like prolonged sadness, extreme mood fluctuations, or social withdrawal, is crucial. Understanding stems from awareness and education. Societal stigmas surrounding mental health have often deterred individuals from seeking help. Breaking these barriers, fostering open conversations, and ensuring access to mental health care are imperative steps.

Conclusion: Mental Health

Mental health, undeniably, is as significant as physical health, if not more. In an era where the stressors are myriad, from societal pressures to personal challenges, mental resilience and well-being are essential. Investing time and resources into mental health initiatives, and more importantly, nurturing a society that understands, respects, and prioritizes mental health is the need of the hour.

• World Leaders: Several influential personalities, from celebrities to sports stars, have openly discussed their mental health challenges, shedding light on the universality of these issues and the importance of addressing them.
• Workplaces: Progressive organizations are now incorporating mental health programs, recognizing the tangible benefits of a mentally healthy workforce, from increased productivity to enhanced creativity.
• Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges, witnessing the effects of stress and other mental health issues on students, are increasingly integrating counseling services and mental health education in their curriculum.

In weaving through the intricate tapestry of mental health, it becomes evident that it's an area that requires collective attention, understanding, and action.

  Short Essay about Mental Health

Mental health, an integral facet of human well-being, shapes our emotions, decisions, and daily interactions. Just as one would care for a sprained ankle or a fever, our minds too require attention and nurture. In today's bustling world, mental well-being is often put on the back burner, overshadowed by the immediate demands of life. Yet, its impact is pervasive, influencing our productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Sadly, mental health issues have long been stigmatized, seen as a sign of weakness or dismissed as mere mood swings. However, they are as real and significant as any physical ailment. From anxiety to depression, these disorders have touched countless lives, often in silence due to societal taboos.

But change is on the horizon. As awareness grows, conversations are shifting from hushed whispers to open discussions, fostering understanding and support. Institutions, workplaces, and communities are increasingly acknowledging the importance of mental health, implementing programs, and offering resources.

In conclusion, mental health is not a peripheral concern but a central one, crucial to our holistic well-being. It's high time we prioritize it, eliminating stigma and fostering an environment where everyone feels supported in their mental health journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary focus of a mental health essay?

Answer: The primary focus of a mental health essay is to delve into the intricacies of mental well-being, its significance in our daily lives, the various challenges people face, and the broader societal implications. It aims to shed light on both the psychological and emotional aspects of mental health, often emphasizing the importance of understanding, empathy, and proactive care.

• How can writing an essay on mental health help raise awareness about its importance?

Answer: Writing an essay on mental health can effectively articulate the nuances and complexities of the topic, making it more accessible to a wider audience. By presenting facts, personal anecdotes, and research, the essay can demystify misconceptions, highlight the prevalence of mental health issues, and underscore the need for destigmatizing discussions around it. An impactful essay can ignite conversations, inspire action, and contribute to a more informed and empathetic society.

• What are some common topics covered in a mental health essay?

Answer: Common topics in a mental health essay might include the definition and importance of mental health, the connection between mental and physical well-being, various mental disorders and their symptoms, societal stigmas and misconceptions, the impact of modern life on mental health, and the significance of therapy and counseling. It may also delve into personal experiences, case studies, and the broader societal implications of neglecting mental health.

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How to Improve Your Psychological Well-Being

Your emotional health is key to a happy life

Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.

Verywell / JR Bee

Components of Psychological Well-Being

Why your psychological well-being matters, creating purpose, positive thinking, fostering relationships.

Psychological well-being refers to an individual’s emotional health and overall functioning. It consists of positive social relationships, autonomy, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, a sense of purpose, and personal growth.

The absence of distress does not necessarily indicate a person has high psychological well-being. High psychological well-being is about feeling happy and doing well. People with high psychological well-being report feeling capable, happy , well-supported, and satisfied with life.

At a Glance

Psychological well-being is characterized by positive relationships, self-acceptance, a sense of purpose, personal growth, autonomy, and competence. It is linked to better health, greater happiness, and a longer lifespan. Fortunately, it's something you can improve by finding meaning, fostering optimism, and cultivating social support. In this article, learn more about some of the ways you can boost your own psychological well-being.

One popular model describes psychological well-being as being made up of six key components:

• Self-acceptance : Having a positive attitude about the self
• Purpose in life : Having goals and a sense that life has meaning and purpose
• Autonomy : A sense of independence and freedom from social pressure
• Positive social relationships : Having meaningful connections with others marked by reciprocal affection, empathy, intimacy, and trust
• Environmental mastery : Feeling capable and having opportunities to manage an individual's environment
• Personal growth : Learning, having new experiences, and taking on challenges that lead to growth

According to this perspective, psychological well-being is more than just feeling good, finding pleasure, and being happy—although those are obviously important, too! Instead, it takes what is known as a eudaimonic perspective, which stresses the importance of things like personal growth, purpose, meaning, and self-realization.

Psychological well-being is considered a core aspect of mental health. People with higher psychological well-being are more likely to:

• Live healthier and longer lives
• Enjoy a better quality of life
• Experience fewer social problems
• Have lower disease and mortality risk
• More likely to engage in healthy behaviors
• Cope better with stress
• Adapt more easily to setbacks or change

For instance, research has found that people with high psychological well-being are less likely to engage in criminal activity or abuse drugs and alcohol. In addition, positive psychological well-being tends to predict higher earnings and more prosocial behavior , such as volunteering.

People also are more likely to enjoy positive psychological well-being when they have their basic needs met. Living in a safe area, having enough food, and having adequate shelter are all important factors for emotional health.

If you’re looking to improve your psychological well-being, there are several things you can do to feel and function better. Here's an overview of some of the key things you can do to improve your overall sense of well-being.

Living a life with meaning and purpose is key to improving your psychological well-being. Your purpose doesn’t necessarily have to involve changing the world or finding a career devoted to helping others though.

Instead, you might make it your purpose to be kind every day. Or, your purpose might involve making the world better by encouraging others to take care of the environment or adopt pets from the shelter. Maybe your purpose is to be an advocate for those who are hurting, like bullied students, the homeless, or victims of abuse.

If you feel like your life lacks purpose, don’t worry. You can find purpose in many ways and build a life that has more meaning. Begin by thinking about the legacy you would like to leave behind.

Write down how you’d like to be remembered at the end of your life, or think about the impact you want to leave on the planet. Then, establish some objectives that can help you reach those goals.

Working toward your goals will give you a reason to get out of bed every day, beyond earning money.

Thinking positively also improves your psychological well-being. In turn, as your psychological well-being improves, it becomes easier to think positively and feel good overall. Fortunately, you can begin creating that positive cycle with a few simple strategies:

Write About a Better Future

Take a few minutes and write down all the good things that could happen to you in the future. Imagine how you could be spending your time and who you would be spending it with if you were living your best life.

You also may want to devise a plan on how you can make that happen. Make small, measurable goals that will help you achieve that better future. Then, put a plan into place. When you're working toward a better future—even if the steps are really small—it gives you a sense of purpose and something to look forward to.

Recall Positive Life Events

Spend time thinking about some of the best memories of your life. Whether it's a family vacation you went on 10 years ago or an award you won at work two years ago, recalling the happiest times in your life can bring more positivity to your mindset.

Recognizing the good things that have happened to you over time—the people you have built memories with or the good times that you have experienced—is an important part of improving your well-being. They serve as reminders of the fullness life has to offer, especially when circumstances may be pulling you down.

Perform Acts of Kindness

Doing nice things for other people reminds you that you have the power to make a difference in the world. Giving to others also helps you think more positively and feel happier. Helping a neighbor in need, volunteering for a community activity, or raising money for a charity are just a few simple ways to improve your psychological well-being.

Also, look for ways to be kind to others in your everyday life. Doing so benefits you in several ways. In fact, researchers indicate that individual acts of kindness releases both endorphins and oxytocin —the feel good hormones—as well as creates new neural connections.

Consequently, kindness can become a self-reinforcing habit that takes less and less effort to perform. There's also some evidence linking kindness and healing. So, look for ways to be kind to others and your body and mind will thank you.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness , which means staying in the moment, has been linked to a multitude of benefits, ranging from increased happiness to better resilience. Although mindfulness is a skill that takes practice and dedication, over time you can get better at learning how to be present and in the moment. Doing so has a number of benefits too.

For instance, studies suggest that mindfulness helps people manage stress, cope with serious illnesses, and reduce anxiety and depression. In fact, people who practice mindfulness are better able to relax, have improved self-esteem, and possess more enthusiasm for life.

What's more, studies have found a link between mindfulness meditation and changes in the parts of the brain responsible for memory, learning, and emotion. This discovery is not surprising because mindfulness requires you to pay attention to your thoughts, your actions, and your body.

Express Gratitude

Whether you send letters to people telling them how much you appreciate them or you write about the things you feel thankful for in a journal, expressing your gratitude will keep you focused on all the good things in life. You can even express gratitude on social media.

Learning to be grateful in everything you do will become a way of life. You'll discover you can be thankful for little things like the beauty of sunset as well as the big things like a new job or a visit from friend. Finding things to be thankful for everyday is a simple but effective way to boost your psychological well-being.

Identify Your Strengths

Feeling capable and confident is important. One of the best ways to accomplish this task is to remind yourself of what you’re good at or your character strengths. Try reflecting on your past achievements and the qualities that helped you succeed.

Write down these things as a reminder of what you have to offer the world. And, if there's an area that needs improvement, don't be afraid to list that too. Working on improving yourself is a great way to impact your overall well-being.

Practice Forgiveness

Letting go of past hurt and anger is key to good psychological well-being. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you have to allow that person to hurt you again. Instead, forgiveness is about releasing yourself of the anger that's holding you back and keeping you bound to that person.

Forgiving another person frees you to put your energy into more positive things rather than ruminating on past hurts and offenses. If the person who wounded you is still a threat to your overall well-being, it also may help to erect some boundaries to safeguard yourself from further unnecessary pain.

Studies show that loneliness takes a serious toll on your emotional and physical health. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, being lonely is as lethal as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Just being around people, however, isn't the solution. Instead, it’s essential to form deep connections with other people.

The quality of relationships matters more than the quantity when it comes to improving your psychological well-being.

While contact over social media can be a good way to keep in touch when you can't visit a friend in person, there’s no real substitute for the benefits of face-to-face contact. Have coffee with a friend, eat dinner with your family, and call a loved one just to chat.

Strong social support also is important to staying psychologically healthy. If you lack a support system, take steps to meet more people. Join community activities, get acquainted with your neighbors, or reach out to old friends.

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Keep in Mind

Psychological well-being is a key part of feeling happy and being able to function day-to-day. It's easier than you may think to develop healthy habits that can foster your emotional health.

Start small and try practicing one or two strategies to maximize your psychological well-being, such as writing down a few of your strengths or happy memories. Over time, you will see the effects that these practices have on your positivity and overall mental health.

van Dierendonck D, Lam H. Interventions to enhance eudaemonic psychological well-being: A meta-analytic review with Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-being .  Appl Psychol Health Well Being . 2023;15(2):594-610. doi:10.1111/aphw.12398

Ryff CD. Psychological well-being revisited: advances in the science and practice of eudaimonia .  Psychother Psychosom . 2014;83(1):10-28. doi:10.1159/000353263

Niemiec CP. Eudaimonic well-being . In: Michalos AC, ed. Encyclopedia of Quality of Life and Well-Being Research . Springer Netherlands; 2014:2004-2005. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-0753-5_929

Kubzansky LD, Huffman J, Boehm J, Hernandez R, et al. Positive psychological well-bBeing and cardiovascular disease: JACC health promotion series .  Journal of the American College of Cardiology . 2018;72:1382-1396. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.07.042

Trudel-Fitzgerald C, Millstein RA, von Hippel C, et al. Psychological well-being as part of the public health debate? Insight into dimensions, interventions, and policy . BMC Public Health . 2019;19(1):1712. doi:10.1186/s12889-019-8029-x

Mathers N. Compassion and the science of kindness: Harvard Davis Lecture 2015 . Br J Gen Pract . 2016;66(648):e525-7. doi:10.3399/bjgp16X686041

Tang YY, Tang R, Gross JJ. Promoting psychological well-being through an evidence-based mindfulness training program .  Front Hum Neurosci . 2019;13:237. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2019.00237

National Institute of Health. Mindfulness matters: can living in the moment improve your health.

Holt-Lunstad J. Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors: The power of social connection in prevention .  Am J Lifestyle Med . 2021;15(5):567-573. doi:10.1177/15598276211009454

U.S. Surgeon General. Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, 2023 .

By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk,  "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time.

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• Mental Health Essay

Essay on Mental Health

According to WHO, there is no single 'official' definition of mental health. Mental health refers to a person's psychological, emotional, and social well-being; it influences what they feel and how they think, and behave. The state of cognitive and behavioural well-being is referred to as mental health. The term 'mental health' is also used to refer to the absence of mental disease. 

Mental health means keeping our minds healthy. Mankind generally is more focused on keeping their physical body healthy. People tend to ignore the state of their minds. Human superiority over other animals lies in his superior mind. Man has been able to control life due to his highly developed brain. So, it becomes very important for a man to keep both his body and mind fit and healthy. Both physical and mental health are equally important for better performance and results.

Importance of Mental Health 

An emotionally fit and stable person always feels vibrant and truly alive and can easily manage emotionally difficult situations. To be emotionally strong, one has to be physically fit too. Although mental health is a personal issue, what affects one person may or may not affect another; yet, several key elements lead to mental health issues.

Many emotional factors have a significant effect on our fitness level like depression, aggression, negative thinking, frustration, and fear, etc. A physically fit person is always in a good mood and can easily cope up with situations of distress and depression resulting in regular training contributing to a good physical fitness standard. 

Mental fitness implies a state of psychological well-being. It denotes having a positive sense of how we feel, think, and act, which improves one’s ability to enjoy life. It contributes to one’s inner ability to be self-determined. It is a proactive, positive term and forsakes negative thoughts that may come to mind. The term mental fitness is increasingly being used by psychologists, mental health practitioners, schools, organisations, and the general population to denote logical thinking, clear comprehension, and reasoning ability.

 Negative Impact of Mental Health

The way we physically fall sick, we can also fall sick mentally. Mental illness is the instability of one’s health, which includes changes in emotion, thinking, and behaviour. Mental illness can be caused due to stress or reaction to a certain incident. It could also arise due to genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, child abuse or trauma, social disadvantage, poor physical health condition, etc. Mental illness is curable. One can seek help from the experts in this particular area or can overcome this illness by positive thinking and changing their lifestyle.

Regular fitness exercises like morning walks, yoga, and meditation have proved to be great medicine for curing mental health. Besides this, it is imperative to have a good diet and enough sleep. A person needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night on average. When someone is tired yet still can't sleep, it's a symptom that their mental health is unstable. Overworking oneself can sometimes result in not just physical tiredness but also significant mental exhaustion. As a result, people get insomnia (the inability to fall asleep). Anxiety is another indicator. 

There are many symptoms of mental health issues that differ from person to person and among the different kinds of issues as well. For instance, panic attacks and racing thoughts are common side effects. As a result of this mental strain, a person may experience chest aches and breathing difficulties. Another sign of poor mental health is a lack of focus. It occurs when you have too much going on in your life at once, and you begin to make thoughtless mistakes, resulting in a loss of capacity to focus effectively. Another element is being on edge all of the time.

It's noticeable when you're quickly irritated by minor events or statements, become offended, and argue with your family, friends, or co-workers. It occurs as a result of a build-up of internal irritation. A sense of alienation from your loved ones might have a negative influence on your mental health. It makes you feel lonely and might even put you in a state of despair. You can prevent mental illness by taking care of yourself like calming your mind by listening to soft music, being more social, setting realistic goals for yourself, and taking care of your body. 

Surround yourself with individuals who understand your circumstances and respect you as the unique individual that you are. This practice will assist you in dealing with the sickness successfully.  Improve your mental health knowledge to receive the help you need to deal with the problem. To gain emotional support, connect with other people, family, and friends.  Always remember to be grateful in life.  Pursue a hobby or any other creative activity that you enjoy.

What does Experts say

Many health experts have stated that mental, social, and emotional health is an important part of overall fitness. Physical fitness is a combination of physical, emotional, and mental fitness. Emotional fitness has been recognized as the state in which the mind is capable of staying away from negative thoughts and can focus on creative and constructive tasks. 

He should not overreact to situations. He should not get upset or disturbed by setbacks, which are parts of life. Those who do so are not emotionally fit though they may be physically strong and healthy. There are no gyms to set this right but yoga, meditation, and reading books, which tell us how to be emotionally strong, help to acquire emotional fitness. 

Stress and depression can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including suicide in extreme situations. Being mentally healthy extends your life by allowing you to experience more joy and happiness. Mental health also improves our ability to think clearly and boosts our self-esteem. We may also connect spiritually with ourselves and serve as role models for others. We'd also be able to serve people without being a mental drain on them. 

Mental sickness is becoming a growing issue in the 21st century. Not everyone receives the help that they need. Even though mental illness is common these days and can affect anyone, there is still a stigma attached to it. People are still reluctant to accept the illness of mind because of this stigma. They feel shame to acknowledge it and seek help from the doctors. It's important to remember that "mental health" and "mental sickness" are not interchangeable.

Mental health and mental illness are inextricably linked. Individuals with good mental health can develop mental illness, while those with no mental disease can have poor mental health. Mental illness does not imply that someone is insane, and it is not anything to be embarrassed by. Our society's perception of mental disease or disorder must shift. Mental health cannot be separated from physical health. They both are equally important for a person. 

Our society needs to change its perception of mental illness or disorder. People have to remove the stigma attached to this illness and educate themselves about it. Only about 20% of adolescents and children with diagnosable mental health issues receive the therapy they need. 

According to research conducted on adults, mental illness affects 19% of the adult population. Nearly one in every five children and adolescents on the globe has a mental illness. Depression, which affects 246 million people worldwide, is one of the leading causes of disability. If  mental illness is not treated at the correct time then the consequences can be grave.

One of the essential roles of school and education is to protect boys’ and girls' mental health as teenagers are at a high risk of mental health issues. It can also impair the proper growth and development of various emotional and social skills in teenagers. Many factors can cause such problems in children. Feelings of inferiority and insecurity are the two key factors that have the greatest impact. As a result, they lose their independence and confidence, which can be avoided by encouraging the children to believe in themselves at all times. 

To make people more aware of mental health, 10th October is observed as World Mental Health. The object of this day is to spread awareness about mental health issues around the world and make all efforts in the support of mental health.

The mind is one of the most powerful organs in the body, regulating the functioning of all other organs. When our minds are unstable, they affect the whole functioning of our bodies. Being both physically and emotionally fit is the key to success in all aspects of life. People should be aware of the consequences of mental illness and must give utmost importance to keeping the mind healthy like the way the physical body is kept healthy. Mental and physical health cannot be separated from each other. And only when both are balanced can we call a person perfectly healthy and well. So, it is crucial for everyone to work towards achieving a balance between mental and physical wellbeing and get the necessary help when either of them falters.

How To Improve Emotional Intelligence

Sara Viezzer

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc in Applied Neuropsychology

Sara Viezzer is a graduate of psychological studies at the University of Bristol and Padova. She has worked as an Assistant Psychologist in the NHS for the past two years in neuroscience and health psychology. Sara is presently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Editor-in-Chief for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Emotional intelligence (EI or EQ) is the ability to identify and regulate our own emotions as well as recognize, understand, and engage with the emotions of others (Goleman, 1996). 

It is a critical skill to build stronger and empathetic relationships, and it helps connect with our deepest feelings, allowing us to make decisions that are more aligned with our values and personal goals. 

Emotional intelligence is commonly defined by four attributes:

• Self-awareness is the ability to recognize our own emotions and the impact they have on others;
• Self-management is the capacity to regulate emotions , control impulsive reactions and flexibly adapt to changing circumstances;
• Social awareness is the ability to understand and empathize with the emotions of others;
• Relationship management comprises a set of social skills, including positive influence, teamwork, clear communication, and conflict management.

How to develop emotional intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a flexible skill that can be learned.

Even though some individuals might naturally be more emotionally intelligent than others, high EI can be developed with time through regular practice.

Below are some ways which may help to increase emotional intelligence.

Practice active listening

Active listening is about hearing beyond people’s words. It involves fully attuning to what is being communicated, including the content of the message and the attitude that underlies it (Rogers and Farson, 1957). 

Paying attention to another’s body language, as well as the tone and speed of their voice, can help identify the speaker’s emotional state in that moment and any messages beyond what they are saying. 

To practice active listening, it is important to let the other person’s train of thought flow without interruptions, as this will facilitate open communication and create a climate of trust and acceptance. 

Secondly, controlling external and internal distractions can help facilitate active listening. In particular, the internal chatter in our minds and the need to plan our responses will allow us to be fully present in the moment and sharpen our listening skills (Lunenburg, 2010).   

Emotional awareness

When experiencing uncomfortable emotions, we might have the tendency to ignore them or bottle them up rather than accept them as a normal and sometimes useful part of our life.

Leaning into our uncomfortable emotions can give us the opportunity to deal with our feelings productively, increasing our self-awareness and ability to introduce positive changes in our lives (Bradberry and Greaves, 2009). 

By exploring with curiosity our full range of emotions , we can gain a more objective view of the person we are and how our feelings are influencing our actions. To see things from a wider perspective, we can also open up to feedback from others, asking about specific situations where we acted with poor emotional awareness.

Identify the emotions

Learning to label emotions with more specific vocabulary can help identify more precisely the type of emotional state we are experiencing and feel more in control of our responses (David, 2016). 

Beyond the six core emotions – happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise – there is a vast spectrum that can be explored through the emotions wheel (Figure 2). 

By recognizing, for example, that sadness differs from boredom or a sense of loneliness; we can become better able to pinpoint our emotions and manage them effectively. 

An additional strategy to develop emotional awareness might be keeping a diary, where we write a description of our emotions and how these are brought up by specific circumstances. 

After a few weeks, we may begin to see patterns. We may come to understand which emotions are most difficult for us to tolerate, which ones are triggering, and which ones contribute to feeling more connected with our own values and satisfaction with our lives.

Understand your stressors

Knowing what situations are triggering is critical for developing the ability to manage our emotional reactions and maintain calm. 

We can use a diary to also identify the sources of stress or write down a list that includes a) specific situations – when we are most likely to feel frightened, disempowered, or not in control b) people – for example, those who appear to be toxic , friends not respecting boundaries or work colleagues trying to impose their opinions c) conditions in the environment – such as crowded or noisy places. 

This will help us anticipate our stressors and then think about ways to put in place strategies to handle our emotions more appropriately (Bradberry and Greaves, 2009).  

Channel emotions in a healthy way

Once we develop greater openness towards our emotions, it is also important to learn how to use them to our advantage rather than letting them control us. 

The first step is to avoid judging our emotions and labeling them as good or bad. Instead, we should recognize them as powerful sources of information which can be used to drive our actions toward what matters to us (Bradberry and Greaves, 2009). 

Refocusing our attention on things that are under our control and can be improved also allows us to not feel trapped in a downward emotional spiral and engage in more committed actions. 

To give our minds a break, we should also prioritize scheduling activities in our routines that make us feel mentally recharged. These may include exercise, yoga, meditation, or other relaxing activities for the mind.

How to encourage emotional intelligence in others

Developing emotional competencies is not only important at the personal level.

Encouraging emotional intelligence in others, including children, students, romantic partners, and work teams, can help increase sensitivity to emotional cues that are often missed within oneself and the environment and ultimately boost the quality of interpersonal relationships (Nagarjuna Nagar, 2020). 

There are a few tips we can follow to enhance EI in others:

Be open and curious

Creating opportunities to share opinions can help build trust in both dyadic and group interactions, reinforcing the importance of self-expression and promoting transparent communication between individuals. 

For example, in a work setting, we might start by asking our team how they are feeling about a particular decision rather than appointing a quick solution to a problem without explaining the rationale behind it. 

We might also try to engage in conversations by asking our co-workers about things that disappoint them at work, what motivates them the most, and how they deal with emotional stress related to work.

Name the emotion

To encourage self-expression in others, such as in children, we might ask them to name an emotion matching their present state. If they find this exercise difficult or give flat answers like “I feel fine/good,” we can ask them to rate an emotion on a 1-10 scale or make use of the emotions wheel.

For example, you could ask: ‘How worried do you feel on a scale of 1-10?’

This technique can even work for adults who may struggle with identifying their emotions. 

Offer your perspective

It may be useful to give some constructive feedback to others about situations where they acted with poor emotional awareness. 

Did they not show enough care or support to people who needed their help? Did they say something that could be perceived as disrespectful or inconsiderate of others’ feelings? Are they often adopting unclear or inconsistent communication of tasks? 

Ensure this feedback is not confrontational or using blaming language but expressed in a kind manner so as to encourage open, healthy discussion. 

Promote a collaborative group culture

Encouraging cooperation within groups facilitates sharing of objectives, values, and concerns, which can ultimately result in an increased sense of group identity and commitment to tasks. 

To enhance a team’s EI, we can highlight participants’ strengths and weaknesses, build a team spirit to spark passion and motivation and constantly provide a space to reflect on personal progress and ways to improve existing skills.

Why is emotional intelligence important?

“What really matters for success, character, happiness and life long achievements is a definite set of emotional skills – your EQ — not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Daniel Goleman

In accordance with Goleman’s statement, emotional intelligence can benefit our personal and professional life in several ways. 

It is a valuable tool to utilize when handling unpredictable and emotionally charged situations, it promotes better clarity of our motivations and goals, and it is an integral part of developing more satisfying relationships with others. 

EI is also a significant predictor of professional success, believed to account for 58% of performance in all types of jobs (Bradberry and Greaves, 2006).

When is emotional intelligence important?

Overall, EI has been found to subsume a variety of skills that are critical in our day-to-day life (Figure 1).

Communication

Increased sensitivity to the feelings of others allows more effective communication and prevents the escalation of tension and conflicts. 

As we are more aware of the emotional needs of the people we interact with, we are more likely to adopt a collaborative attitude and be open to compromise (Petrovici and Dobrescu, 2014).

Stress management

Recognizing how specific situations can trigger stressful emotions can help us feel more in control of our reactions, replacing negative feelings with appropriate coping skills to deal with them. 

Neglecting how emotional stress drives our behaviors can lead to irrational decisions and ultimately exacerbate mental health outcomes (Ciarrochi, Deane, and Anderson, 2002).

Decision-making

Understanding how emotions influence our thoughts can prevent us from making misguided decisions, both in our personal lives and in the workplace. 

As we are able to identify emotions that are superfluous or unrelated to a problem, we can form more objective judgments and enhance the quality of decision-making (Hess and Bacigalupo, 2011).

Change tolerance

Changes in our personal and professional life are constant and can sometimes be emotionally intense. 

Reflecting on the emotional reactions that make us resistant to change as well as the interpretations and preconceptions associated with them, can help us assume a more positive outlook and think more optimistically about opportunities that can derive from change (Lin et al., 2016).

With high EI, we can better understand the meaning of our aspirations and the motivational skills required to achieve goals in relation to our work, personal life, and health (Magnano, Craparo, and Paolillo, 2016). 

In addition, with the capacity to recognize emotions, we can also impact other people’s motivations, encouraging positive attitudes towards shared goals when working in teams.

Frequently asked questions

Does emotional intelligence tend to improve with age.

Since EI is a skill that can be continuously developed and refined over time, it makes sense that our ability to deal with emotional challenges might increase with age. 

Indeed, research suggests that older adults are better able to balance emotions and cognition when problem-solving and making decisions compared to their younger counterparts. 

In addition, older adults seem to be better able to regulate emotions and minimize the intensity and duration of negative affect (Carstensen et al., 2000). 

At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that a person’s age does not always mirror their level of emotional maturity, and some EI competencies might require more consistent practice and training (Fariselli, Ghini, and Freedman, 2008).

What problems can result from low emotional intelligence?

Low EI manifests with difficulty dealing with our own feelings and relating to the emotional experiences of others (Goleman, 1996).

Being emotionally disconnected may result in uncontrolled and impulsive behaviors, such as emotional outbursts, insensitive responses, or blaming others, all of which can compromise the quality of our relationships. 

Ignoring other people’s feelings can also increase the risk of conflicts if the conversations are too closed, self-centered and foster misunderstandings (Hansen, 2015).

Ultimately, low EI may result in a reduction of a person’s social circle and level of emotional support, with detrimental effects on mental health and well-being.

Can you have a high IQ but low emotional intelligence?

Though IQ and EI are sometimes related, they represent two separate constructs that might present with different levels of development in the same person. 

Having a strong ability to analyze and interpret situations (often associated with a high IQ) does not necessarily translate into the ability to read other people’s emotions or attend to emotional cues. 

Similarly, the ability to find rational solutions to problems might not manifest in social situations where strong EI skills are needed to manage conflict and reach a compromise (Goleman, 2020).

Can emotional intelligence be taught to others?

Considering the increasingly important role of EI in academic and work success, as well as in managing stress and life transitions, there is a growing interest in teaching emotional intelligence to teenagers and students. 

In a classroom environment, incorporating training focused on enhancing assertive communication and managing negative self-talk can result in an improvement in EI skills (Chang, 2006). 

In addition, students who show the greatest benefit from EI programs are also more likely to persist with their studies in the future (Qualter et al., 2009).

In practice, introducing behaviors in classrooms that are informed by EI principles, such as promoting collaboration between students and practicing self-reflection exercises, can help students gradually assimilate this skill.

Atkins, P., & Stough, C. (2005). Does emotional intelligence change with age. In Society for Research in Adult Development annual conference, Atlanta, GA .

Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2006). The emotional intelligence quick book: Everything you need to know to put your EQ to work . Simon and Schuster.

Bradberry, T., & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0 . TalentSmart.

Carstensen, L. L., Pasupathi, M., Mayr, U., & Nesselroade, J. R. (2000). Emotional experience in everyday life across the adult life span. Journal of personality and social psychology , 79 (4), 644.

Chang, K. B. (2006). Can we teach emotional intelligence?.

Ciarrochi, J., Deane, F. P., & Anderson, S. (2002). Emotional intelligence moderates the relationship between stress and mental health. Personality and individual differences , 32 (2), 197-209.

David, S. (2016). Emotional agility: Get unstuck, embrace change, and thrive in work and life . Penguin.

Fariselli, L., Ghini, M., & Freedman, J. (2008). Age and emotional intelligence. Six Seconds: The Emotional Intelligence Network , 1-10.

Goleman, D. (1996). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ . Bloomsbury Publishing.

Goleman, D. (2020). Emotional intelligence . Bloomsbury Publishing.

Hansen, S. (2015). “10 Things High EQ People Don’t Do.” Lifehack. Web.

Hess, J. D., & Bacigalupo, A. C. (2011). Enhancing decisions and decision‐making processes through the application of emotional intelligence skills. Management decision .

Lin, D. T., Liebert, C. A., Tran, J., Lau, J. N., & Salles, A. (2016). Emotional intelligence as a predictor of resident well-being. Journal of the American College of Surgeons , 223 (2), 352-358.

Lunenburg, F. C. (2010). Communication: The process, barriers, and improving effectiveness. Schooling , 1 (1), 1-10.

Magnano, P., Craparo, G., & Paolillo, A. (2016). Resilience and Emotional Intelligence: which role in achievement motivation. International Journal of Psychological Research , 9 (1), 9-20.

Nagarjuna Nagar, A. P. (2020). Can Emotional Intelligence Be Developed?. Editorial Board , 9 (7).

Petrovici, A., & Dobrescu, T. (2014). The role of emotional intelligence in building interpersonal communication skills. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences , 116 , 1405-1410.

Qualter, P., Whiteley, H., Morley, A., & Dudiak, H. (2009). The role of emotional intelligence in the decision to persist with academic studies in HE. Research in Post‐Compulsory Education , 14 (3), 219-231.

Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (1957). Active listening (p. 84). Chicago, IL: Industrial Relations Center of the University of Chicago.

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6 ways to take care of your mental health and well-being this World Mental Health Day

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health. People from all walks of life have experienced stress throughout the pandemic – from frontline workers who are overwhelmed with work, young people who can’t go to school, family members who are separated from each other, those impacted by COVID-19 infection or loss of loved ones, or people with pre-existing mental health conditions who face difficulties in accessing mental health services during lockdowns.

It is understandable to feel scared, anxious or helpless during this unprecedented time. But whatever situation you are in and wherever you are in the Pacific, you have the power to look after your mental health and well-being. As we celebrate World Mental Health Day this 10 October, here are 6 things you can do to help you cope, not only with the COVID-19 pandemic, but any event that may cause stress.

1. Talk to someone you trust

Talking to someone you trust – whether a friend, a family member, or a colleague – can help. You may feel better if you are able to openly share what you are going through with someone who cares about you. If you live in an area where face-to-face interactions are limited, you can still stay connected with your loved ones through a video call, phone call or messaging app.

2. Look after your physical health

Taking care of your physical health helps improve your mental health and well-being. Be active for at least 30 minutes daily, whether that’s running, walking, yoga, dancing, cycling, or even gardening. Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Make sure to get enough sleep.

3. Do activities that you enjoy

Try to continue doing the activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable, such as cooking for yourself or your loved ones, playing with your pet, walking in the park, reading a book, or watching a film or TV series. Having a regular routine with activities that make you feel happy will help you maintain good mental health.

4. Steer away from harmful substances

Don’t use harmful substances such as drugs, kava, alcohol or tobacco to cope with what you’re feeling. Though these may seem to help you feel better in the short term, they can make you feel worse in the long run. These substances are also dangerous and can put you and those around you at risk of diseases or injuries.

5. Take two minutes to focus on the world around you

Help free yourself of constantly swirling thoughts by reconnecting yourself with where you are at this moment in time. Follow along with the video below or simply take three slow deep breaths, feel your feet grounded on the floor and ask yourself:

• What are five things I can see?
• What are four things I can hear?
• What can I smell?
• What does it feel like to touch my knees or a something else I can reach? How does it feel underneath my fingers?

6. Seek professional help

If you feel like you cannot cope with the stress that you are facing, seek professional help by calling your local mental health helpline or getting in touch with your counsellor or doctor.  Remember you are not alone, and there are things you can do to support your emotional wellbeing.

Further advice is available in Managing Stress: Self-help Tips for People Living in the Pacific Islands

5 Ways to Improve Your Emotional Health

If you're like most people, you ignore your psychological health. time to stop..

Posted December 2, 2014 | Reviewed by Ekua Hagan

I recently gave a TED Talk on " How to Practice Emotional Hygiene ." If you don’t know what emotional hygiene is, don’t worry; most people don’t. Here’s a brief definition:

In much the same way that dental hygiene involves brushing our teeth and flossing every day, and personal hygiene involves cleaning ourselves and taking care of physical injuries when we sustain them, emotional hygiene refers to being mindful of our psychological health and adopting brief daily habits to monitor and address psychological wounds when we sustain them.

Currently, our general neglect of our emotional hygiene is profound. How is it we spend more time each day taking care of our teeth than our minds? We brush and floss but what daily activity do we do to maintain our psychological health?

I would argue the consequences of lacking emotional hygiene are much worse than lacking dental hygiene—after all, which would you rather lose, a tooth or your mind?

Indeed, it seems that all our attention goes toward our physical health with none left over for our psychological health. How many habits have you adopted and changed over the years to better your physical health? All the constantly changing dietary practices and exercise regimes; self-exams for breast or testicular cancer; annual check-ups; physical therapies; and the many over-the-counter remedies we use for aches and pains.

Now ask yourself what habits you’ve adopted to better your psychological health: Do you monitor psychological injuries such as failure or rejection when you sustain them, to make sure your self-esteem recovers and rebounds? Are you aware of the ways negative self-talk impacts your emotional resilience ? Do you know how to break out of a cycle of ruminating and brooding about distressing events? Chances are the answer to these questions is no.

To get you started, here are five tips for improving your emotional hygiene:

If a physical ache or pain doesn’t get better in a few days, you probably take some kind of action. The same should be true of psychological pain. If you find yourself hurting emotionally for several days because of a rejection, a failure, a bad mood, or any other reason, it means you’ve sustained a psychological wound and you need to treat it with emotional-first-aid techniques. (You can learn more about them throughout the Squeaky Wheel blog .)

Many psychological wounds launch vicious cycles that only make the pain worse. For example, failure can lead to a lack of confidence and feelings of helplessness that only make you more likely to fail again in the future. Having awareness of these consequences, catching these negative cycles, and stopping your emotional bleeding by correcting them is crucial in many such situations.

Our self-esteem acts as an emotional immune system ( learn more here) which can buffer us and lend us greater emotional resilience. Therefore, we should get in the habit of monitoring our self-esteem, boosting it when it is low, and avoiding negative self-talk of the kind that damages it further.

It is natural to think about distressing events, but when our thinking becomes repetitive we are no longer problem-solving, we are ruminating . Ruminating can be very costly to our psychological health, as well as to our physical health, and can put us at risk for clinical depression and even cardiovascular disease. (See " The 7 Hidden Dangers of Ruminating .") We have to battle negative thinking and avoid falling into the habit of over-focusing on distressing events.

There is much more we need to learn about emotional hygiene and how to treat psychological wounds. Fortunately, much information is available in this blog as well as elsewhere on PsychologyToday.com. When you learn how to treat psychological wounds—and teach your children how to do so as well—you will not only build emotional resilience, you will thrive.

For a digest of how to treat psychological wounds, check out Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure and Other Everyday Hurts .

Copyright 2014 Guy Winch

Guy Winch, Ph.D. , is a licensed psychologist and author of Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure, and Other Everyday Hurts.

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Mental Health Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on mental health.

Every year world mental health day is observed on October 10. It was started as an annual activity by the world federation for mental health by deputy secretary-general of UNO at that time. Mental health resources differ significantly from one country to another. While the developed countries in the western world provide mental health programs for all age groups. Also, there are third world countries they struggle to find the basic needs of the families. Thus, it becomes prudent that we are asked to focus on mental health importance for one day. The mental health essay is an insight into the importance of mental health in everyone’s life. 

Mental Health

In the formidable years, this had no specific theme planned. The main aim was to promote and advocate the public on important issues. Also, in the first three years, one of the central activities done to help the day become special was the 2-hour telecast by the US information agency satellite system. 

Mental health is not just a concept that refers to an individual’s psychological and emotional well being. Rather it’s a state of psychological and emotional well being where an individual is able to use their cognitive and emotional capabilities, meet the ordinary demand and functions in the society. According to WHO, there is no single ‘official’ definition of mental health.

Thus, there are many factors like cultural differences, competing professional theories, and subjective assessments that affect how mental health is defined. Also, there are many experts that agree that mental illness and mental health are not antonyms. So, in other words, when the recognized mental disorder is absent, it is not necessarily a sign of mental health. 

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

One way to think about mental health is to look at how effectively and successfully does a person acts. So, there are factors such as feeling competent, capable, able to handle the normal stress levels, maintaining satisfying relationships and also leading an independent life. Also, this includes recovering from difficult situations and being able to bounce back.  

Important Benefits of Good Mental Health

Mental health is related to the personality as a whole of that person. Thus, the most important function of school and education is to safeguard the mental health of boys and girls. Physical fitness is not the only measure of good health alone. Rather it’s just a means of promoting mental as well as moral health of the child. The two main factors that affect the most are feeling of inferiority and insecurity. Thus, it affects the child the most. So, they lose self-initiative and confidence. This should be avoided and children should be constantly encouraged to believe in themselves.

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How Writing Can Boost Emotional Intelligence and Improve Mental Health

According to experts, one in every six people experiences a mental health problem at least once a week. It can be one of your friends, colleagues, or even you. For many people, discussing their mental health is taboo. However, it is frequently a debilitating daily struggle with a series of failures and battles with an unseen opponent. Find out about a practice that will help you improve your psycho-emotional state and reduce the frequency of your depression and anxiety.

There are numerous methods for reducing anxiety and stress , relieving pressure on the mind, and achieving internal harmony. Some people turn to breathing exercises and yoga , while others seek less typical ways to improve their mental health.

You might be surprised to learn that writing practice is one of the most effective ways to relieve emotional stress and improve mental health. We’re not talking college essays or business reports – it is more about freely expressing yourself on paper.

How Does Writing Improve Mental Health?

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, surveys revealed that nearly 40% of adults in the United States experience loneliness on a regular or occasional basis. Loneliness and social isolation can exacerbate symptoms of depression , anxiety, and other mental illnesses.

Writing, among other creative activities, has been shown to increase meaningful social connections with others, reduce stress, and assist people in understanding and controlling their emotions.

Why Is Writing Beneficial for Mental Health?

Several studies have found that writing practice can help people’s mental health. Furthermore, one of the skills that the labor market is looking for these days is the ability to clearly express and arrange thoughts. Honing your writing skills can help you improve your well-being and open up new career opportunities.

Here are the top five reasons why writing is good for your mental health:

It Makes You Happier

According to Southern Methodist University research , writing about future goals makes people happier and can help people who work in challenging environments to cope with stress.

Writing Helps You Clear Your Mind

It allows you to clear your mind by writing down your thoughts, emotions, feelings, and ideas. This can be accomplished by keeping a journal, a diary, or simply writing everything down.

It Aids in Being More Mindful

It is a powerful mindfulness technique that allows you to better recognize your emotions and stop restraining yourself from feeling better (even if you are writing about neutral topics).

Writing Practices Improve Your Emotional Well-Being

It improves your ability to manage depression and other mental health conditions by helping you recognize your emotions (directly related to the previous point). Writing is ideal for improving your emotional well-being.

It Makes You More Resilient

Various forms of creative writing (writing down thoughts, ideas, experiences, and feelings, as in a diary) have been shown in studies to help people cope with stressful situations at work. It is natural for our imagination to exaggerate many details, inflate problems, and turn a minor annoyance into a major issue.

Putting the problem down on paper will allow you to properly assess its scope and identify different actions required to resolve it. A quick response to the problem and the planning of solutions saves time and effort while helping you quickly return to work.

Writing Allows You to Hone Your Expressive and Communication Abilities

It is very disappointing when you cannot condense your thoughts and provide a clear answer to a question posed. Regular written exercises aid in emotional and intellectual gathering of information, allowing people to communicate and express complex ideas more effectively. Practice writing helps you overcome a limited vocabulary and enables you to turn what sounds good in your head into ideas that sound just as good when you put them down on paper.

It Improves Your Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, comprehend, and evaluate one’s own and other people’s emotions. It enables better mental health, increased happiness, and more effective leadership. People with higher EQ make better writers, but you can also boost your EQ through writing.

Here are five ways to boost your emotional intelligence:

• Recognize and tune into your own emotions. You must first be aware of your emotions in order to control them. Monitoring and examining your emotions, as well as your triggers and activation points, will help you manage them more effectively in the future.
• Seek to comprehend the perspectives of others . Pay close attention to people’s emotions, put yourself in other people’s shoes, and try to imagine what they are thinking and feeling, as well as how they came to their conclusions. You will not only gain a broader perspective, but you will also stretch your own.
• Develop communication skills. Understanding people’s emotions and the intentions behind the information exchanged through verbal and nonverbal communication is essential for effective communication.
• Work on building connections with people. Learning to connect with others is an essential part of developing EQ. Start by listening, showing interest, and making others feel at ease if you are shy or uncomfortable.
• Practice emotional control. Once you are aware of your own emotions, you must learn to control them and respond appropriately to the feelings of others. Try to avoid triggers that make others and you nervous. Breathing exercises can help you relieve stress and prevent emotional outbursts. Learn from others how to respond calmly and constructively in specific situations.

Improving your emotional intelligence will help you in both your personal and professional relationships. Furthermore, it will allow you to understand yourself and others better and find the appropriate tools for effective interactions.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, writing down your feelings is one of the best ways to understand them better. If you suffer from stress or depression, expressive writing can help you gain control of your emotions, get to the root of the problem, and focus on resolving it.

The benefit of writing is that it allows you to focus on one thing while clearing your mind of everything else interfering with your ability to find a solution. Write every day to better understand yourself, your actions, and your behavior.

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About the Author : Janice Gosney is a professional writer with years of experience who works for Writing Judge and Best Writers Online . She is primarily interested in such topics as personal growth, wellness, and motivation.

In her free time, Janice is a passionate traveler and bike rider.

Photo by Brad Neathery on Unsplash

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.

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Home / Essay Samples / Health / Mental Illness / The Importance of Mental Health: Prioritizing Well-being

The Importance of Mental Health: Prioritizing Well-being

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• Topic: Mental Illness , Stress

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