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Mental Health Checkups

Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as maintaining your physical health. The problem is that while we’ll tell our doctors about new aches and pains that might point to a possible physical illness or condition, it’s much easier to dismiss or ignore symptoms of mental health issues until a crisis is reached.

Life has its natural ups and downs, and sometimes it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. What’s important is to pay attention to how we react emotionally. If you or someone you love begins to struggle at work or school, that’s a sign that something may be wrong and possibly time to get help.

Effective treatment may or may not include medication, but prescriptions are never the entire answer. A variety of healthy changes can have an effective impact, and include:

  • Exercise. Regular exercise is therapeutic. It has a direct effect on how we heal and stay healthy.
  • Good nutrition. Making healthy food choices affects how you physically feel, and that in turn affects your emotional well-being.
  • Reducing stress. People struggling with depression and anxiety experience stress in a distorted way and much more intensely.
  • Enough sleep. Regulate your sleep patterns and ensure you get enough rest.
  • Supportive relationships. Strong personal relationships and social connections keep us from feeling isolated and alone.

Talk to your primary care physician about your emotional health at each wellness appointment, especially if you think you might have symptoms of a mental health condition.

Learn more about mental health services at St. Luke's