Presbyterian | Fall 2018 | Your Story

2 How have you been feeling lately? For instance, have you been stressed, sad, or anxious? Your feelings are important to think about. Why? Because our physical health and happiness may depend, at least in part, on our emotional wellness. When emotional pain gets physical We all go through tough times. Problems at work, getting divorced, or losing a loved one are just a few stressful changes. In fact, many upsetting situations in our daily lives (even happy changes) can affect our emotional health. If left unchecked, feelings of upset can take a physical toll. And that could, in turn, lead to physical symptoms or cause us to make poor choices that might affect our health. Some of the physical signs of poor emotional health may include: ● ● Ulcers ● ● High blood pressure ● ● Aches and pains ● ● Upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation ● ● A weak immune system, which could lead to frequent infections ● ● Sleep problems ● ● Using alcohol, tobacco, or drugs to escape Speak up about howyou feel Talking about your emotions may not be easy. But it is important to let your provider know what’s going on in your life. That’s especially true if you no longer feel like you enjoy life—for instance, if you feel sad or empty inside. These can be signs of depression. It is not a sign of weakness to speak up about how you feel. Even if you haven’t gone through a difficult time recently, it’s still important to talk about anything that’s getting you down. What else can you do? Researchers are still studying the mind and body connection. But it looks like keeping a positive outlook may help keep us well. Here are two steps to help maintain a positive outlook: ● ● Try to spend time with positive people. ● ● Do your best to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Psychological Association Q&A: First aid for your mind Q.What ismental healthfirst aid? It is a course that teaches you how to see and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder. The training teaches you the skills you need to reach out and help someone in a mental health crisis or with a substance use disorder problem. Q. Who can be a mental health first aider? The course is for anyone 18 years or older who wants to learn more about mental illnesses. If you want to help make your community happier, healthier, and safer, this class is for you. Q. What will I learn? ● ● The risk factors and warning signs of mental health and drug use problems ● ● Information on depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and drug use ● ● How to help someone find peer support and self-help resources ● ● A five-step action plan to help someone who is experiencing a mental health problem or is in crisis Q. Howdo I get trained? If you would like to learn more or sign up for training, call us at (505) 923-5831 . Manymembers havewritten letters to Presbyterian saying that the training has saved the life of a loved one, or started community conversations about mental illness and how to respond to at-risk populations. What is your mind telling your body?