Emotional Health

General Stress, Anxiety, Worry and Depression

At St. Luke’s, we understand that health includes more than just your body. Just like the treatment and care we need if we have the flu, an injury, or cancer, sometimes the mind and spirit need a little bit of tender loving care, as well.

Keeping up with the demands of our family, our work and society can be challenging, and we don’t always take the time to stop and realize how we are feeling. Stress is a normal part of life, but chronic stress can cause both physical and mental harm. Checking in with yourself to monitor your levels of stress, anxiety, worry, and/or depression is important. Do you know your cues and triggers for each of these emotions? How do you keep them in check, and what is your plan for getting back to a healthy, sustainable level if and when you find yourself outside of your comfort zone?

Proactively take steps to manage the stress in your life by taking breaks from stressful activities, learning how to relax, and bolstering reserves needed for unavoidable stress by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating well. For some, rest and peace come from social support, or spending time with family and friends. Scheduled downtime, leisure and recreation help others. To keep stress in check, make fun and laughter a part of your regular routine. Take advantage of activities and classes that might help you step away from the hustle for a much-needed, restorative break. Have you ever tried yoga or meditation? A quick guided breathing exercise can help you get centered and manage stress. How about a walk, or just some time alone with your thoughts or a good book?

If you find yourself unable to manage on your own, there are professional resources that can help get you back on track.

• Support groups can bring you together with others who are going through similar circumstances, so you can learn, share and benefit from understanding, new ideas, and coping skills.
• Seek support from your doctor, or consider looking into Behavioral Health resources for assistance with learning effective strategies to manage the stress level in your life. Counseling can help you work through difficult decisions and life events such as illness, marital problems and divorce, grief, bereavement, relationships, headaches, chronic pain, LGBTQIA+, financial issues, and parenting.
• Outpatient Partial hospitalization and Inpatient treatment options are also available, and so is our Crisis Team, which operates around the clock in our Emergency Departments.

• Mental health is important to pay attention to regularly, but especially in times of emergency and natural disaster. Individuals, families, communities and first responders can find information and resources here, as well as a Disaster Distress Help Line (1-800-985-5990).

Life Satisfaction

Life satisfaction is a measure of well-being. It is important that we each engage in activities that will promote a positive outlook on life. Traits that are associated with maintaining a positive outlook on life include gratitude, curiosity, zest for life, and spirituality. Think about ways you can promote these traits in your daily activities.

If you are dissatisfied with your life or feel badly, talk with your doctor about how you are feeling.

If you’d like more information on Mental Health, you can contact St. Luke's Outpatient Therapy and Psychiatry at 484-822-5700, or visit mentalhealth.gov.