Emotional and Mental Health

Emotional wellness means you feel good about yourself, your relationships, and your purpose in life. It does not mean that you will never be sad, angry, or confused. Everyone will have some of these feelings from time to time. However, if you are emotionally well, you will have fewer lows and will be able to bounce back from sad times faster. Emotional wellness also helps you to be happier during the good times. 

Appreciating yourself

An important part of emotional wellness is to value who you are and what you do. Women often have many roles and responsibilities in their lives. They can be a mother, a daughter, a friend, a leader, a co-worker, a wife, a partner, a volunteer, a bill payer, a homemaker, and so on – all at the same time. These many roles and tasks can make women feel overwhelmed.

That’s why it is especially important for women to take time to value themselves and all the things they do. Taking a little bit of time every day to do that can help you to do a better job at all of your tasks. It also makes you feel good about yourself!

Finding balance and purpose

An important part of being emotionally well is finding a sense of balance, meaning, and purpose in life. This balance and purpose will be different for each woman. However, for most women it may involve some of the same steps. Keep in mind that finding a sense of balance and purpose in your life is a journey. It might mean different things to you at different times in your life, but thinking about these issues will help you to be more emotionally well. 

Connecting with others

Women can find many different ways to connect. You can connect to others through your neighborhood, your ethnic group, a club you belong to, or your group of friends. Connections are an important part of emotional wellness. Connections with others can help you have a sense of belonging. Other people can help you find meaning in life and feel valued. They can benefit your health. Being connected to others can help you fight depression and give you a better quality of life. 

Additional information and resources can be found at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Service Administration, Office of Women's Health.