Zest
By Matt Eschler, PhD, LMFT
Being mentally healthy means more than not being anxious, depressed,or any of the 300 disorders listed in diagnostic manuals.Being mental healthy, emotionally healthy, and resilient are interconnected with several desirable characteristics that, if not present in a person, can be learned. These characteristics include flexibility, gratitude, contentment, and a sense of confidence and purpose. Taking control of your mental health requires you to be accountable for investing in the types of exercises that generate emotional strength. Enjoying a clear sense of being mentally healthy does not mean you will never go through hard times. All of us will experience disappointment, stress, loss, and trauma. We will endure changes
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over which we have no control. How we respond to these and other stressors directly relates to our levels of resilience. Being psychologically resilient means you bounce back from crises quickly by responding well to the negative stressors in your life. Resilient people are more flexible, more present, and less afraid of uncertainty. Some of you are looking for better ways to cope with specific mental health problems. Others are wanting to create more satisfaction, feel more energetic, and generate more positivity. No matter what you are seeking, there are infinite ways to take control of your mental wellbeing right now.
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