Contrary to popular belief, emotional and psychological health are not quite the same. While they are somewhat related, one is often mistaken for the other. The more someone is in touch with themselves, the easier it is to pinpoint an emotional or psychological issue that is being experienced.
Emotional health specifically relates to how you handle your emotions – both positive and negative. While psychological (mental) health is how you are coping with various life experiences that come your way. Both can trigger the other and one can also experience them individually as well.
Mental health is often mistaken for emotional health because emotions are usually tied in with one’s current state of mental well-being. Think of mental health as it relates to your productivity and ease of accomplishing weekly tasks. Emotional health is how you’re feeling in relation to your mental health and the feelings you get in response to something.
It’s somewhat difficult to separate the two because they are so intertwined, but each do have their own characteristics. Here are 8 examples (4 each) of psychological (mental and emotion health issues.
Emotional Health Issues
High Stress Levels
Although stress has its physical features, it’s rooted in an emotional health issue. Stress is a response to overload and a precursor to burnout.
Usually, when people are stressed out they are emotionally fragile and have a hard time separating their stress from everything else they encounter during the day.
You might find yourself snapping at your husband or kids. Maybe someone cut you off in traffic and you felt like it was the worst thing that could possibly happen.
Whatever the situation, being aware of your stress levels is key. Also knowing when your emotional response isn’t appropriate and being proactive about caring for yourself will help ease stress and avoid burnout.
When gone untreated, a severely high level of stress can also lead to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
“Out of Touch” with Oneself
Being self aware is a great way to strengthen your emotional health. When you know yourself and are able to observe your thoughts and emotions, you have an advantage. You get to act in the best interests of yourself.
Someone who is out of touch with themselves will experience more emotionally distressing situations. Being aware of yourself on this level will also help you navigate various social interactions more efficiently, without unnecessary drama or friction where it otherwise may occur.
Take your mornings to the next level by trying this 14-day morning routine challenge. You’ll feel more productive and centered while keeping your mental health in check.
Click the image to get your FREE Printable!
Difficulty Processing an Appropriate Emotional Response
When you find yourself getting sad, angry or annoyed for what seems like no reason, it might be time to take a look at your emotional health.
When your emotional health is not up to par, everything else may seem “heavier” and more burdensome. If ordinary things trigger extreme sadness, anger or any other feeling that usually wouldn’t, its time to practice some self-care and get your emotional health back on track.
Feeling Discontent
Feelings of discontent often come from unsettled emotional pain. In many cases people are either anxious, sad, afraid or angry when they feel “on edge” or extremely discontent. Feeling discontent is sometimes a perfectly healthy thing to experience.
When you’re holding yourself back from going after something you want an aren’t happy with where you are in life, you can leverage this type of discontentment to propel you toward your goals.
Psychological (Mental) Health Issues
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health issues that people experience. Whether it’s a chronic condition, or sporadic anxiety, it can be disruptive enough to effect every aspect of daily life.
When some experiences anxiety, their symptoms can vary from becoming extremely overwhelmed and “shutting down” to being extremely productive.
Many people suffer from high functioning anxiety and may not even realize it. Here are some symptoms of what that might look like…
- Being a “chatty” person
- Procrastinating
- Overthinking
- Insomnia/Sleep issues in general
- Self-isolating
- Mental and physical exhaustion
- Tendencies toward alcohol/drug abuse
- They don’t slow down/keep themselves too busy
- Allow intrusive negative thoughts and dwell on them
- They are very proactive about things
- Detail oriented and organized
Depression
Major and chronic depression impact millions of people worldwide. It can be experienced seasonally, randomly or on and off all the time (to name a few). Like anxiety, depression is one of the common forms of mental health issued that society struggles with.
There are several factors that contribute to to developing depression. Hereditary health issues, poor lifestyle choices, drug/alcohol abuse, various forms of trauma and certain life experiences as well.
Eating Disorders
There are several types of eating disorders that damage the psychological health of millions of people around the world. Eating disorders are also tied to emotional health issues and have been known to be caused from some form of trauma or neglect.
It typically stems from a negative way an individual views themselves. Self esteem issues or punishing oneself in some way are typical motivators.
Personality Disorders
There are several personality types (check out this article on the top 10) that identify as mental health issues and cause them as well.
Having a personality disorder can be an all-consuming experience. Some people aren’t even aware that they have one but it still dictates how they live their lives compared to those that do not.
If you or someone you know if struggling with an emotional or mental health issue, reach out for help! A loved one or a professional therapist will be happy to support and help you. There are several treatment options such as therapy and/or (potentially) medication.
There are several lifestyle adjustments that can always be made to ensure the best success rate toward your mental/emotional health as well.