There are tons of things that can affect our emotional well-being. We are all unique and all deal with things differently. What makes one of us feel very anxious, stressed or depressed might not affect another person in the same way.
Sometimes we can’t say what it is that’s making us feel crappy – there’s no logical explanation, but we know we’re under the weather emotionally and sometimes it’s so bad we feel like we can’t cope.
Feeling scared, anxious, sad or unable to cope happens to most people from time to time. Sometimes the really tough stuff passes and people look back and wonder how they ever made it through – but they did! Talking problems through with someone can really help a person to feel better and make a plan to handle hard times.
There are lots of experiences and events that can affect our emotional well-being in the short or long term, such as:
- bullying or abuse
- social media
- experiencing crime
- failing at something
- smoking, alcohol or using drugs
- damaging relationships
- feeling pressured to do things we don’t want to do
- not having basic needs met (house, warmth, positive relationships, food, water)
- being discriminated against
- having too much responsibility / not enough freedom
- feeling shame or embarrassment
- having a physical illness / disability or mental illness
- bereavement (how someone feels when someone dies or is no longer around)
- worries about sexuality
- problems at home, school or with friends
- not being allowed or able to talk or communicate
- feeling hopeless or direction-less
- learning or using unhealthy coping strategies (like self-harm)
- change or conflict at home, divorce, separation
- being permanently stressed, scared or anxious
- being lonely or isolated
All these things can contribute to someone feeling emotionally unfit and in some circumstances can affect a person’s mental health.
If someone is concerned about their emotional well-being, or mental health, it is a good idea to talk to someone about what is happening.
For advice on issues that may cause you distress, see the other Emotional Well-Being pages for specific concerns.
Here are some resources to help you cope with:
Abuse
Disrespect Nobody
Bullying
Bullying UK
Bereavement
Hope Again
Sexual identity
Childline / sexual identity
Sexual identity
The Mix / sexuality
Loneliness
The Mix / making new friends