How
well your body works has a lot to do with your brain. For example,
your immune system is the most powerful healing force you have
and your brain controls it to some degree. Research suggests that
positive mental and emotional expectations can boost your immunity
when you're sick.
How's your emotional health? You can self-treat
many mental health problems with a little care and attention.
Begin by observing your symptoms.
Take an inventory:
In the blanks provided, write the number that corresponds
to your mental health symptoms.
1NEVER/RARELY2SOMETIMES3OFTEN
1.Anger-Hostility-Irritability
Do these emotions interfere with your activities or relations?
2.Anxiety
Do fear and worry interfere with your activities or relations?
3.Depression
Do feelings of sadness, hopelessness or apathy interfere with
your activities or relations?
4.Hyperactivity
Does feeling nervous, restless or continually excited interfere
with your activities or relations?
5.Addictive
Behaviors Do overeating, gambling, smoking or other
addictive behaviors interfere with your activities or relations?
6.Withdrawal
Do you feel detached from activities or people or slip into
excessive daydreaming?
7.Sleep
Problems Do you have trouble sleeping or staying
awake?
8.Alcohol-Drug
Use Does alcohol or drug use interfere with your
activities or relations?
9.Suicidal
Signals Have you thought about suicide or wondered
if life is not worth living?
Now record any events, major changes or illnesses
you have observed which relate to your symptoms. Generally, the
more your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, the more
serious the problem. If you score a 3 in more than 3 symptoms,
or a 2 or 3 in numbers 8 and 9, it's time for professional help.
