How To Cope With Emotional Disorders

Emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression are more common than many people think. They can be debilitating and can detract from one’s quality of life. Many people suffer in silence because they are worried that if they seek treatment they will be judged or ridiculed. Other people simply don’t realize that what they’re dealing with is a medical condition or that help is available. It is possible to deal with emotional disorders and still live a productive and successful life. By working with a medical professional or a therapist you can discover if you have an emotional disorder and develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Identifying an Emotional Disorder

Common emotional disorders include:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you think you may be struggling with an emotional disorder but aren’t sure, try answering the following questions:

• Do feelings of anxiousness or sadness cause you to miss out on opportunities you’d like to partake in?
• Has your mental health caused you to perform badly at work or school?
• Do you often feel an extreme sense of sadness, fear, hopelessness, or panic?
• Do you often have overwhelming thoughts you cannot control?
• Do you ever feel as if life is not worth living?
• Do anxious or sad feelings cause you to experience physical symptoms such as nausea, digestive issues, trembling hands, or a racing heart?
• In a state of anxiety, do you ever feel as if you can’t breathe?
• Is your mental health holding you back from accomplishing your goals?
• Has your mental health affected your overall quality of life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have an emotional disorder and should speak to a doctor about getting help.

How to Reach Out for Help

When dealing with an emotional disorder the thought of receiving treatment may seem scary or overwhelming. It may be hard to know where to start. If you’re underage, consider reaching out to a parent, school counselor, or trusted adult about how you’re feeling. They can help make sure that you see a doctor and get the help you need. Remember, struggling with an emotional disorder is nothing to be ashamed of and you shouldn’t be embarrassed about asking for help.

If you are old enough to reach out for help on your own, you may consider starting with your primary care physician. If you do have an emotional disorder, they can provide you with a diagnosis or refer you to a mental health specialist who can determine if prescription treatment is necessary to alleviate your symptoms. They can also connect you with a therapist who is trained in helping people with your type of emotional disorder.

Many people with emotional disorders meet with a therapist every week, even during times in life when their mental health is stable and strong. A therapist can help you work through your emotions and get a better perspective regarding issues in your life. They can help you learn ways to manage stress and avoid triggers. While your emotional disorder may never go away completely, and everyone is bound to struggle from time to time, therapy can help ensure that your emotional disorder plays a much smaller role in your life and doesn’t hold you back from your dreams and goals.

Other Ways to Reduce Stress

When it comes to emotional disorders there will be good days and bad days. You may be feeling great one day only to find yourself anxious the next. Such random fluctuations are why, in addition to traditional treatment, it is often helpful to practice daily habits to help reduce stress. These are things you can easily do regularly to make sure you are maintaining your mental health.

• Get your thoughts out onto a page by journaling. This can help you work through what emotions you’re struggling with.
• Get out into nature, even if it’s just for a short time each day. Being out in nature can boost your mental health as well as allow you to escape the distractions and stresses of everyday life so you can focus on being in the moment.
• Spend time speaking with a trusted friend. The struggle with anxious thoughts can become worse when they are kept inside. Before long it may feel as if your anxiety is snowballing. If you’re in a situation where you’re unable to get in contact with your therapist, opening up to a friend can help.
• Make sure you’re exercising every day.
• Try practicing yoga or another form of meditation.
• Spend time around an animal.

These methods are just some of the ways that many people find relief from symptoms of mood disorders. By working with a therapist and trying different things, you can work out what activities work best for you when dealing with your emotional disorder.

If you’re struggling with an emotional disorder such as anxiety or depression, you are not alone. These are very common issues and help is available. Many people suffer from these disorders in silence because they are afraid of what treatment will include or are worried about being judged or ridiculed. In reality, emotional disorders are nothing to be ashamed of. Through professional help, you can find relief. If you believe you may suffer from an emotional disorder, talk to your doctor about how you feel and they can help get you on the right path. At Headlight, our caring and knowledgeable staff has helped countless patients begin living the lives they deserve by providing them with the resources to achieve their best possible mental health and we can help you too. Call 800-930-0803 today to learn more about our services.