It is important to take charge of your mental health and well-being.   Workplace Strategies for Mental Health is a valuable online resource which offers insightful information for staff and faculty to help them examine their lifestyle, their relationships and to learn to advocate for themselves.

Everyone faces challenges at work which can bring about emotional responses.  Courtesy of Workplace Strategies for Mental Health, here are some tips and suggestions to help in those emotional situations:

Planning for them

When you know that you may become emotional, plan in advance how you will manage tears, frustration or anger in a way that preserves your dignity and well-being.

Writing it down

When you write down your fears, hurts or concerns, they often lose their power over you. Writing it down can put things in perspective so that you can find a way forward.

Talking about it

Find a trusted person or professional to share what you are feeling. Talking about things is often the first step to taking back control of your thoughts, emotions or feelings.

Paying attention to what works

When you have successfully dealt with a stressful situation or emotion, record what you did both as a reward for your success and to refer to when you are not sure what to do. Acknowledge when you take a step in the right direction.

Finding a friend

Having someone at work who understands what you are going through can be an important source of support. If this is not possible, find a friend outside of work whom you can call when you need support.

Taking a break

Use your breaks to go for a walk, find a quiet place to sit or otherwise relax and refocus. Do not work through breaks and lunch when you are stressed.

Breathing

When we are stressed or anxious our breathing tends to become more shallow. This sends a message to the brain that there is a risk of dying from lack of oxygen, which in turn creates a stress response. Breathing deeply and slowly goes a long way to help your body to return to a less stressful state.