Christy Douglas,LCMHC

Emotional triggers are intense negative reactions contributed by past trauma or negative memories. A current situation, object, or person can trigger a traumatic or negative memory. Part of healing is learning to recognize when emotional triggers occur and the contributing factors that spark them in order to develop the tools needed to manage them.

Feeling overwhelmed from time to time is a normal part of life. However, in some cases, overwhelming feelings may lead to difficulties processing thoughts and emotions, affecting mental well-being. Taking time to process such feelings is essential to maintaining mental stability.

Since life is not perfect, we will inevitably face conflict and uneasy situations that can affect us mentally, spiritually, and emotionally, leading to physical unwellness. Seeking help from a mental health professional can help develop effective conflict management and coping skills, which leads to happiness, increases mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness, and lowers the chances of physical illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. Take care of your overall health, and do not hesitate to seek help.

Not taking breaks when needed can lead to mental burnout, which eventually affects physical health. We can minimize the chances of stress and burnout by taking time for self-care. Some self-care activities may include listening to music, spending time outside, taking a walk, reading, and writing in a journal.

When we set healthy boundaries, we are also practicing self-care, as it helps improve our mental well-being by lowering stress and increasing self-esteem.

It is okay to seek help when stress begins to increase. High stress that affects mental well-being can increase the risk of body aches, digestive issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Seeking help early can help decrease the chances of overall negative effects on physical health.

Anxiety is a constant, intense fear and worry. Common symptoms of anxiety include rapid breathing, increased heart rate, sweating, and feelings of restlessness. For those struggling with anxiety, seeking help can bring a sense of calmness and peace through developing skills that help reduce symptoms.

Taking the time to fellowship and connect with others can decrease anxiety and depression levels as it increases self-esteem and empathy. It is a part of self-care to aid in mental and overall health.

Recognizing that we were created with a great purpose has a positive impact on our mental health, which helps us to move forward in the life ahead of us, letting go of the things that decrease our mental stability.

When we bring forth faith, we are able to recognize and confront exaggerated fear meant to intimidate us. The process of recognizing and confronting exaggerated fears helps instill confidence that brings forth peace and mental calmness.

Holding on to fear can be mentally draining and affect overall health. When we look past the fear in front of us, we may develop a new perspective and mental clarity that leads to growth and better health. For anyone struggling to look past fears, it is okay to seek help to obtain guidance toward the road to mental clarity.

Taking the time to care for our mental health by treating mental health issues can improve overall health, increasing motivation and productivity.

Our perspective on situations that occur in life can impact our mood, affecting our mental health. When we have clarity in our perspective, it may reduce stress and judgment, allowing us to respond to difficult situations in a healthy manner.

When faced with a difficult situation, it may be tempting to react out of fear. However, taking a second to breathe, see the situation fully, and listen to encouragement may lead to a response full of courage and wisdom needed to overcome the difficulties.

When we realize our areas of struggle, we have the opportunity to seek help and develop the skills needed to navigate and grow through the difficult seasons in life.

Sometimes, life's challenges are an opportunity for growth. Those struggles may require new skills to help us cope with and overcome difficulties. Mental health professionals can be an excellent resource for acquiring the skills to overcome life's challenges.

Life is full of ups and downs. You do not have to go through the struggles alone. It’s okay to seek help when it gets too difficult. Mental health professionals can help you develop skills to get through life struggles.

Education on common mental health disorders is critical to understanding the struggles one is going through and seeking support, which can lead to overall mental health improvements.

Mental health struggles can lead to physical health issues such as headaches, digestive problems, and cardiovascular issues, and physical health issues can result in mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety. So, it is critical to look at improving both physical and mental health when looking to improve overall health.

Being present and focusing on today can help release yesterday’s stress and tension by choosing not to dwell on the difficulties of yesterday. Decreasing stress can lower the risk of burnout, anxiety, and other health issues.

Unmanaged daily stressors can negatively impact mental health, leading to long-term anxiety, which may include symptoms of fatigue, anxiousness, fear, and loss of concentration. If dealing with daily stressors and finding it difficult to cope, it is imperative to seek help in learning the needed skills to manage stress.

Symptoms of anxiety have the potential to interfere with day-to-day activities. Symptoms may include fatigue, anxiousness, difficulties concentrating, constant worrying, sleep struggles, and fear. Seeking help from a mental health professional can help relieve symptoms by assisting individuals to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Working on obtaining and maintaining a healthy mental well-being can have a positive effect on overall health because mental health issues go hand in hand with physical health. If mental health is affected, it increases the risk of physical health issues. For example, studies have shown that individuals who struggle with mental health such as depression are at an increased risk of heart disease. This is one of the reasons why it is essential to seek help if you are struggling with mental health issues.

Letting go of unrealistic expectations and the things we cannot control can influence change and growth. It influences change and growth because it allows for a shift in perception, allowing flexibility and adaptability to navigate difficulties and uncertainties that may occur in life. This process builds resilience and strengthens mental health.

Having hope despite life's difficulties helps improve life quality by framing one's thoughts and forming new habits. It increases the ability to withstand and cope with those difficulties, improving overall well-being. Mental health therapy can assist individuals to develop hope despite life's struggles.

Social support from family, friends, church, and social groups can positively impact individuals' well-being, which includes mental health. Such support can help individuals make healthy choices, cope with stress, provide encouragement, and supply needed resources during difficult life circumstances.

Difficult life changes can sometimes feel defeating, as they lead to uncertainties. These feelings can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety and stress. However, it is okay to seek help to sort out those feelings. Seeking help can bring mental peace and clarity and assist in finding ways to cope healthily with change.

Sometimes, unsuspected struggles occur in life. However, those struggles do not have the power to dictate your future. Seek help if you find it difficult to look beyond your current struggle. Gaining mental clarity can help with viewing current circumstances as temporary.

Difficulties may be a part of life. However, we can use them as stepping stones for growth. It is also okay to seek help if you find it difficult to navigate through life's difficulties.