LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Since 2004, October has been recognized as Emotional Wellness Month by mental health advocates across the nation.
Social, cultural and political conflict, COVID-19, natural and manmade disasters have made this a stressful, even traumatic time for many.
As the holiday season approaches, it is likewise important to recognize family and community events and gatherings are stressful for some.
“Lake County’s communities are resilient and strong, but it is important to be aware of our emotional wellness, and how critical good mental health is to our overall health,” said Todd Metcalf, director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services.
The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as, “An active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.”
The institute further breaks down the six dimensions of wellness: emotional, intellectual, physical, occupational, social and spiritual.
Maintaining awareness of our emotions and feelings is key to preparing for challenges, life events, or any situation that can cause emotional imbalance.
Staying focused and paying attention to the here and now, instead of obsessing on the past or being too focused on the future, helps to support emotional well-being and promote general health.
Some ways to support emotional awareness can include:
• Pursuing a hobby;
• Staying connected or creating new social connections;
• Physical exercise and meditation;
• Self-care;
• Laughter.
Paying attention to emotional wellness also makes it easier to deal and cope with behavioral health concerns, such as addiction, depression and stress.
Emotional Wellness Month is a great time to reflect on emotional wellness and encourage others to do the same.
For more information, please contact Lake County Behavioral Health Services at 707-274-9101 or 707-994-7090.
October is Emotional Wellness Month
- LAKE COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES