With the passing of fashion icon, Kate Spade today, I want to share how depression is a real thing!  And not just depression, post-partum depression is real too.  I experienced postpartum depression after my daughter was born.

What is emotional wellness?

Emotional Wellness implies a person’s ability to be aware of and accept their feelings, rather than denying them.  Emotional Wellness is having an optimistic approach to life, and enjoy life despite its occasional disappointments and frustrations.

According to NIH, Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.

Six Strategies for Improving Your Emotional Wellness

1. Brighten your outlook – It is said that people who are emotionally well have fewer negative emotions and are able to bounce back from life’s difficulties faster. This quality is called resilience. Another sign of emotional wellness is being able to hold onto positive emotions longer and appreciate the good times.
2. Reduce your stress – Everyone feels stressed from time to time. Stress can give you a rush of energy when it’s needed most. But if stress, chronic stress lasts a long time, those changes become harmful rather than helpful. Learning healthy ways to cope with your stress can also boost your resilience.
3. Get good quality sleep – To fit in everything you want to do in your day, you often sacrifice sleep. But sleep affects both mental and physical health. It’s vital to your well-being. When you’re tired, you can’t function at your best. Sleep helps you think more clearly, have quicker reflexes and focus better. Take steps to make sure you regularly get a good night’s sleep.
4. Strengthen social connections – Social connections might help protect health and lengthen life. Scientists are finding that our links to others can have powerful effects on our health—both emotionally and physically. Whether with romantic partners, family, friends, neighbors, or others, social connections can influence our biology and well-being.
5. Cope with your loss by surrounding yourself with family and friends – When someone you love dies, your world changes. There is no right or wrong way to mourn. Although the death of a loved one can feel overwhelming, most people can make it through the grieving process with the support of family and friends. Learn healthy ways to help you through difficult times.
6. Be Mindful – The concept of mindfulness is simple. This ancient practice is about being completely aware of what’s happening in the present—of all that’s going on inside and all that’s happening around you. This means not living your life on autopilot. Becoming a more mindful person requires commitment and practice.

To your health and happiness,

S